Registration is still open for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Hilo this Saturday.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will start at Lili‘uokalani Park and Gardens with the opening ceremony at 8 a.m. and the walk beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the largest annual event that brings the community together to stand in support of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Funds raised through the walk will keep care and support programs going here on Hawaii Island. Donations ensure that education programs, caregiver support groups, and care consultations are available locally.
“The power of community has kept our fight against Alzheimer’s and all other forms of dementia alive,” said Renae Akau, the 2023 Hawaii Island Walk Chair. “As we welcome the era of treatment, we are further motivated to continue our march towards a cure.”
Akau decided to involve herself in the walk after her grandmother was diagnosed over a decade ago. Akau has served as the Hawaii Island Walk chair for four years.
“We have watched this talented musician, dedicated mother and loving grandmother deteriorate over time,” Akau said. “As a family, we are comforted in knowing that the Alzheimer’s Association is here for us and our community. With their programs, information and support, families like ours do not have to go through this alone.”
Akau continues to serve in a leadership position to further the mission and actively participate in efforts being made to find a cure a defeat Alzheimer’s.
Nic Los Banos, the Hawaii Island regional coordinator of Alzheimer’s Association, and his family started their Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team in 2010 in honor of his grandfather, who lived several years with Alzheimer’s disease until he passed away in 2003.
“Twenty years later, my grandmother is living with dementia and is looking forward to her 99th birthday next month,” Los Banos said. “Along with my personal journey, I’ve met many other families like mine working in the aging and caregiving field for the last 14 years. I walk for my family and my community.”
So far, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s has raised about $79,000 of its $100,000 goal. As of Tuesday, 202 participants and 45 teams have registered to walk. Those interested can still register, donate or sign up online.
“We encourage you to join us as we take to the park and proudly display our commitment to seeing a world without Alzheimer’s,” Akau said. “It takes a community of people like this one to make the difference needed to find a cure and turn hope into a reality.”
Steve Kruger, one of the Walk Elite Grand Champions, will be walking for his father, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, and his father’s brother and sister, who also were victims of the disease.
“My daughters did not get to know him, and it breaks my heart daily. He would radiate with pride for them,” Kruger said about his father. “I walk for the future children who haven’t gotten to know their grandparents. I walk for hope and knowing that the first survivor is alive today.”
The walk will begin at the mauka, or upper, parking lot of Lili‘uokalani Gardens, near the Shoroan teahouse. The parking lot will be closed off for public parking during the walk.
To register for the walk, donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, or to volunteer this Saturday, visit the tinyurl.com/2p8nan4t.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
