Alzheimer’s walk in Summit County aims to raise $140,000 for research and support

Last year's Walk to End Alzheimer's in Park City. Photo: Alzheimer’s Association

PARK CITY, Utah — Loved ones, caregivers and supporters of Utahns living with Alzheimer’s disease will gather Saturday, Sept. 7, for the Summit/Wasatch County Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

One of seven Alzheimer’s Association of Utah Walks to End Alzheimer’s in 2024, the Walk in Park City will raise funds to provide essential services to families and support research to find a cure. The Walk has a fundraising goal of $140,000. Collectively, the seven Utah Walks have a target of $458,000.

More than 6.9 million Americans, including 38,300 Utahns, are living with Alzheimer’s, the seventh-leading cause of death and the only leading disease without a prevention or cure.

“The toll from Alzheimer’s disease is rising relentlessly and will continue to do so until we find a cure,” said Stacie Kulp, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Utah. “Every dollar we can raise for research to find a cure is an investment in our health and that of future generations.”

The proceeds from the Walks are the primary source of funds for the Alzheimer’s Association of Utah, enabling it to continue to provide the information, programs and services for those who receive an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, as well as services for their family and caregivers. All of those services are provided at no charge.

Research

Walks also support research to find a cure. The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading non-profit funder of Alzheimer’s research. Currently, it has over $360 million active in 1,000 projects in 53 countries on six continents.

Walk in Summit/Wasatch County

The Summit/Wasatch County Walk to End Alzheimer’s will open with registration at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Basin Recreation Fieldhouse, 1388 Center Dr., Park City. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. with the flat 2-mile walk starting after a short ceremony.

To register, volunteer or make a donation to any of the seven Utah Walks to End Alzheimer’s, visit the Walk to End Alzheimer’s page.

Key facts about Alzheimer’s disease in Utah

• 38,300 Utahns are living with Alzheimer’s disease
• In Utah, 998 people died from Alzheimer’s in 2021, the most recent figure available
• More than 112,000 Utahns are serving as unpaid caregivers, providing an estimated 132 million hours of support in 2023 valued at nearly $2.5 billion
• The Alzheimer’s Association of Utah provides all of its services (educational programs, support groups and informational services) at no charge to Utah families

“The impact of Alzheimer’s disease extends far beyond those diagnosed,” Kulp added. “In Utah alone, more than 112,000 family members and friends are serving as unpaid caregivers, providing an estimated 132 million hours of support in 2023. The value of this care is nearly $2.5 billion, demonstrating the immense personal and economic toll of this disease on our communities.”

For Summit and Wasatch County residents seeking support or information, the Alzheimer’s Association of Utah offers a free 24/7 bilingual Helpline at 800-272-3900. Additional resources and information are available at the Alzheimer’s Association website.