On Sunday, The NYC chapter of the Alzheimer's Association raised $180,000 at the Walk to End Alzheimer's which took place at Cadman Plaza Park.
Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease making it the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only disease among the top 10 causes of death that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed.
There are 400,000 people in New York State living with Alzheimer's and more than 1 million dementia caregivers.
The funds raised will support Alzheimer's and dementia research and the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter's care, support and education programs available to all New Yorkers free of charge.
"We are committed to creating a future without Alzheimer's," said Christopher Smith, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter. The money raised at today's event will fund research and support programs that will benefit all New Yorkers."
The top fundraising team raised over $28,000 for Garritsen Beach native Kathy Denver who, at 62, is living with early onset Alzheimer's.
Denver worked for the Kings County Supreme Court system for 18 years and retired as a court clerk in February 2019 after her Alzheimer's diagnosis made it too difficult to continue working. She was recognized by Kings County Supreme Court as employee of the year in 2011. Many of her former colleagues donated to the walk in her honor, and more than 100 of her colleagues, family and friends chartered three yellow school buses to participate in the Walk.
"Kathy loved the court system and was a dedicated public servant. She worked until her Alzheimer's diagnosis made it impossible to continue," said Denver's sister, Kelly Burke. "Alzheimer's is devastating but I'm encouraged by the way the community has pulled together to support Kathy. I'm proud of our contributions to the cause and know that one day we will live in a world without Alzheimer's."
