Oahu’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place on November 6th

More than six million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. During the pandemic, deaths from Alzheimer’s and dementia rose 16%.

To fight this disease, the Alzheimer’s Association is holding its annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s for Oahu on November 6th.

Due to COVID-19, there are no major events or gatherings. The organization encourages participants to go everywhere for a good cause.

“People can really go anywhere, from home or from a beach or hiking trail. We encourage people to register online, ”said Alzheimer’s Association of Oahu executive director LJ Duenas.

The money raised from the Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2021 will stay in Hawaii, according to Duenas.

“So the money we collect supports the many communities and care programs that we offer,” said Duenas. “Training courses for nurses and self-help groups that are offered nationwide.”

While the association is unable to host a large in-person event like it did in the years leading up to the pandemic, the island-wide walk on Saturday will still have a personal component.

“We’re still going to have a promised flower garden at Waterfront Plaza on November 6th,” said Duenas.

Hundreds of flowers will line the lawn to represent everyone affected by the disease.

“The yellow flower honors our supervisors,” said Duenas of the Promise Garden. “The blue flowers represent those currently living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The orange flower is meant to celebrate everyone who supports the cause. The purple flower represents those we remember who lost the battle against this disease. “

To honor a loved one through the Alzheimer’s Association Promise Garden, Click here.

There are nearly 100,000 people in Hawaii who have Alzheimer’s disease, according to Duenas.

“If you don’t have a direct connection, you know someone who does,” Duenas said. “There is certainly help out there from the Alzheimer’s Association and many of our other community and care partners. It is interesting to know that one in five adults in Hawaii is a caregiver. “

Duenas said he wants the carers to know they are not alone.

If you’d like to donate or participate in the Oahu Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2021, Click here.