The city of Fairbanks launched its inaugural Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, drawing a strong turnout from the community. This two-mile walk commenced at Pioneer Park, where participants gathered at the Promise Garden, a vibrant display of flowers representing various connections to Alzheimer’s disease. Each flower color conveyed a unique meaning: orange flowers symbolized support for the Alzheimer’s Association’s vision of a world free from Alzheimer’s and other dementias, while yellow flowers indicated care for someone living with the disease. Purple flowers represented those who have lost loved ones to Alzheimer’s, and blue flowers signified individuals currently living with the condition.
Before the walk, participants took part in the Promise Garden Flower Ceremony, raising their flowers as a show of solidarity for those affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias. A white flower, a symbol of hope, was particularly poignant; it represents the aspiration for the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease.
The event served as both a community gathering and a fundraising effort aimed at supporting research and local services related to Alzheimer’s. While not mandatory, fundraising was encouraged. The goal for this year was set at $20,000, and according to board member Maureen Townsend from Soldotna, the fund had already surpassed $17,000, with over $7,000 of that total raised in Fairbanks alone. Donations are still being accepted through alz.org/walk.
Townsend posed a thought-provoking question to potential supporters: “What memory would you fight for? Is it your wedding day? First born child? The trip you took back in college? What memory?” Her words resonated with many participants, emphasizing the personal impact of Alzheimer’s disease.
Community engagement was palpable, with Sam Woods from Edward Jones expressing gratitude to attendees. “We gather here with other people who have a connection to and understand this journey,” he stated. “Whether you walk this road personally, are here to support the Fairbanks community, or believe in the association’s vision, we are here because of you and for you.”
Local offices of Edward Jones Financial Advisors, a national sponsor, played a key role in organizing the event at Pioneer Park. Additional local sponsors included GCI, ConocoPhillips Alaska, Mt. McKinley Bank, and Usibelli Coal Mine.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a global voluntary health organization dedicated to providing care, support, and research focused on Alzheimer’s disease. Its mission is to lead efforts to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementias by accelerating research, promoting risk reduction, enhancing early detection, and maximizing quality care and support for those affected.
For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association and their initiatives, visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.
