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Solomons, MD – The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is planned for Saturday morning, Sept. 19 in Solomons. The event will again take place in the retirement community Asbury Solomons. The Alzheimer’s Association sponsors the walk.

According to the event’s coordinator, Lakeysha Moore, a number of individuals are planning to take the two-mile walk through the beautiful grounds of Asbury Solomons, a mix of dwelling units, recreational amenities and open spaces on the shores of the Patuxent River.

“So far we have 175 walkers on 31 walk teams registered,” Moore told The BayNet. “Registration is accepted on walk day as well. Last year we had 407 walkers and look forward to surpassing that for this year.”

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is held in several communities nationwide. In fact, in addition to Solomons, nearly 80 other communities in the United States will host Walk to End Alzheimer’s this Saturday. Other Sept. 19 locations include Helena, MT; Cheyanne, WY; Ogden, UT, Sandusky, OH, Culpepper, VA; and Kahului, HI. In addition to Solomons, eight other Maryland communities will host walks, including La Plata and Annapolis.

While the scourge of Alzheimer’s is devastating, the walking event is designed to be uplifting. A program prior to the walk will kick off the event. “Also, as walkers return there will be a post-walk Zumba dance party,” said Moore.

There is no registration fee to participate in the walk, however all participants are asked to register and sign a waiver. Every walker is asked to make a personal donation and commit to raising funds in the battle against Alzheimer’s. Registered participants who achieve a fundraising minimum of $100 will receive a T-shirt.

Strollers are allowed during the walking segment of the event. However, for safety reasons, skateboard, bicycles, inline skates and “wheelie” footwear are discouraged. Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.

Many participants take the fundraising component to heart. For example, one of the participating team of walkers hosted a brunch and silent auction in St. Mary’s County to raise cash for the Sept. 19 event.

Money raised at Walk to End Alzheimer’s goes to research, education and support to those affected, Moore explained.

Don’t care to walk? Alzheimer’s Association always needs volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, registration, water stops, the T-shirt tent and other tasks. Contact Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area to volunteer.

The Sept. 19 walk will be held rain or shine. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., the ceremony is at 9:30 a.m. with the two-mile walk beginning at 10 a.m.

For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association, visit www.alz.org

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com