GASTONIA, N.C. – The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Gaston, Cleveland and Lincoln County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Gastonia.

The Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter will be hosting Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln at Rotary Centennial Pavilion located at 111 N. South Street in Gastonia. Check-in opens at 9 a.m. with an Opening Ceremony at 10 a.m. and the Walk immediately following.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Katherine L. Lambert, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter. “We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”

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. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

“I am honored and proud to lead this year’s Walk and support the Alzheimer’s Association in its mission and efforts to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research,” said Steven Long, executive leadership team chair of Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln and president, GSM Services. “We look forward to bringing our community together for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease. We are closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. But to get there, we need as many people involved as possible.”

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In North Carolina alone, there are more than 210,000 people living with the disease and 373,000 caregivers.

Gaston County has an Alzheimer's prevalence rate of 11.1% in its age 65 and older population.

Cleveland County has an Alzheimer's prevalence rate of 11.1% in its age 65 and older population.

Lincoln County has an Alzheimer's prevalence rate of 9.9% in its age 65 and older population.

To register as a participant or team captain or to learn more about becoming a sponsor or volunteer of Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln, visit act.alz.org/GastonClevelandLincoln or call 800-272-3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association hosts 17 walks across North Carolina including: Alamance County, Asheville, Charlotte, Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln Counties, Fayetteville, Guilford County, Henderson County, Unifour (Hickory), Iredell Co. & Lake Norman, Jacksonville, Moore County, Mount Airy, New Bern, Rowan-Cabarrus Counties, Triangle (Raleigh and Durham), Wilmington and Winston-Salem. To register and receive the latest updates on any of this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: alz.org/walk.

Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®: The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s. 

Alzheimer's Association®: The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org.

About the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter: The Western Carolina Chapter provides patient and family services, information and referral, education, and advocacy in 49 central and western North Carolina counties. It offers opportunities to get involved and to make a difference, in addition to a variety of services including: a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, educational programs, and care consultations. For more information about Alzheimer's disease or the Alzheimer's Association - Western Carolina Chapter, visit alz.org/northcarolina or call (800) 272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook,  X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.