Photo submitted to Times Observer The YMCA Wave Runners team in the 2021 Warren Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s were, from left, Suzette Berdine, Pat Orbanic; Barb Luce; and Dee Schuultz.

The goal is usually to raise money to help provide education, awareness, treatment, support, and research toward a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

The goals were the same this year, but just getting started in the pandemic was a challenge.

Despite the COVID restrictions in place, the 2021 Warren Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease was an in-person success.

“On Saturday, approximately 90 walkers on 20 teams joined together to Fight to End Alzheimer’s as we continue working toward the fulfillment of the mission of the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter — ‘A world without Alzheimer’s Disease,'” Linda Knapp said.

“This relentless disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.”

“More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s,” Knapp said. “One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Unpaid care for persons with Alzheimer’s are other dementias is provided by 16 million Americans.”

“It affects us all — at home and at work,” she said. And so, we walk…”

There was a Promise Garden Ceremony at the event, but it was abbreviated due to COVID this year, she said.

Each Walk participant held their flower — in particular colors based on their connection to disease — high as emcee and Walk Committee Chair Lindsay Bevevino called upon them. Yellow represented caregivers, orange for advocates, blue for those living with the disease, purple for those who had lost someone to it, and a single white flower representing the hope for the first Alzheimer’s survivor.

Awards were given to the Grand Champions — those who raised $1,000 or more — included Vicki Anthony and Carol Stowe, Champions — $500 or more — Becky Shreve, Christie Greenman, Linda Knapp, and Carmen Bevacqua.

The top five teams were Caregivers Support Group — Warren; Team Bevacqua — Marching with McKissock; Mamma’s Forget-Me-Nots; SenaKean Nursing and Rehab of Smethport; and YMCA Wave Runners.

“The Purple 4 a Purpose business challenge was presented to McKissock’s team for 2020,” Knapp said.

So far, the 2021 challenge winner has not been determined.

“The local Walk committee thanks the sponsors, both local and national, the nearly 90 walkers, and all those who have donated to the various fundraising efforts,” Knapp said. “A very special thanks to our volunteers for the day of the walk and our Walk manager, Jenn Brownlee and her assistant at the Walk, Annaliese Blankenship, Walk manager from the Central PA area.”

“Although the Walk is physically over for this year, continuing donations may be sent through the end of 2021 to: Alzheimer’s Association, Greater PA Chapter, 2595 Interstate Dr., Ste. 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110 — designate the Warren Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease,” Knapp said.

Those who are interested in participating in the next Walk are encouraged to get their teams ready and set aside Sept. 24, 2022.