At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, Warren County residents will have the chance to join in the world’s largest event dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

In conjunction with events everywhere, the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s is set to take place at Betts Park, according to Warren area committee member Linda Knapp.

“On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease,” Alzheimer’s Association Media Relations Specialist Brittany Grego said. “The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease. Help us by joining the fight for Alzheimer’s first survivor, finding a cure, and being able to present the first white Promise Garden flower.”

Organizers are planning on an in-person Walk this year, but will be ready to alter to those if necessary.

“While plans are moving forward to host the Warren Walk in person, the health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers remain the top priorities,” Grego said. “The Alzheimer’s Association will continue to closely monitor CDC, state and local guidelines to ensure Walk events adhere to the latest recommendations.”

“The Alzheimer’s Association draws hundreds of walkers and teams to the event each fall and it is a pivotal event to spread community awareness and concern for Alzheimer’s disease,” Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter Senior Development Director Sara Giammarise said. “We are looking forward to gathering with Warren families on Walk day who have been impacted by the disease, as we work together to inspire hope in the fight for a cure and move closer to our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementias.”

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, Grego said. It is a leading cause of death in the United States.

There are almost twice as many family members and friends giving care as there are patients. “More than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” she said. “In Pennsylvania alone, there are more than 280,000 people living with the disease and 500,000 caregivers.”

“To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Warren Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk,” Grego said. “Please consider forming a team, joining an existing team, or even walking individually on Saturday, Sept. 24.”

Local contacts may be reached by calling Lindsay at (814) 218-6350, Ron at (814) 688-8165, or Linda at (814) 726-1199.

“Together, we can end Alzheimer’s,” Grego said.