The Alzheimer's Association's annual Walk to End Alzheimer's returns to Town Green Park on Saturday, Oct. 17, with a free 2-mile route open to all ages.
The event is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, held each year in more than 600 communities nationwide. Funds raised support research toward a cure, along with care programs and clinical trials, according to The Caledonian, The Woodlands High School's student newspaper.
Gates open at 8 a.m. An opening ceremony begins at 8:45 a.m., and walkers step off at 9 a.m. The route starts and ends at Town Green Park.
KHOU 11 reporter Marcelino Benito will emcee the Woodlands walk. The Alzheimer's Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter confirmed Benito's role on Instagram, calling on teams to register and show up at Town Green Park.
Every registered walker receives a Promise Garden Flower, a colored bloom held during the opening ceremony to honor people affected by Alzheimer's. Four flower colors represent different connections to the disease. Walkers raise the flowers together before stepping off on the route, uniting participants under a shared purpose.
Strollers are welcome on the course. Bikes, skateboards and inline skates are not permitted.
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and over 11 million family members and friends provide unpaid care, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The association's Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter, headquartered in Houston, organizes the Woodlands walk along with other regional events each fall.
Registration is free at alz.org/walk. The Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline is available at 1-800-272-3900.
Upcoming community events:
- Saturday, Oct. 17: Walk to End Alzheimer's, Town Green Park, 8 a.m. Free; register at alz.org/walk.
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day.
