Alzheimer's Association invites Niagara County residents to join 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's

World’s largest event dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support & research

Submitted by the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association

The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Niagara County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 18 at Reservoir State Park in Niagara Falls. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. and the walk commencing at 10:15 a.m.

On walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant “Promise Garden” ceremony, a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

Potempa family

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This year’s blue and yellow flowerholders for the Niagara Walk will be Tom and Elizabeth Potempa from Lockport. Tom was diagnosed with early onset frontotemporal dementia last year and will hold the blue flower, which represents someone living with dementia. Elizabeth will carry the yellow flower, which represents a caregiver, as she is Tom’s care partner on his journey.

Since Tom’s diagnosis, Elizabeth has received support from the Alzheimer’s Association as his care partner, and hosted a caregiver’s resource fair at First Trinity Lutheran Church in Tonawanda in June to help others.

“We are walking to help raise awareness for those living with Alzheimer's and dementia,” Elizabeth said. “When you walk, there is a sense of companionship that you get from others who are on a similar journey. We want people to know that there is support out there – you are not alone. The Alzheimer's Association has been incredibly helpful with support, education, programs and the genuine care you get from the people there.”

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Kaitlyn Less, director of development for the Western New York Chapter. “We hope that everyone in the community can join us to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments, and finally end this disease.”

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the U.S. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In New York, there are more than 426,5000 people living with the disease, and 543,000 caregivers.

The funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s ensure the programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association are free to all who need them, in addition to funding the research and advocacy efforts that have resulted in new treatments for people living in the early stage.

Anyone interested in participating in this year’s walk can visit act.alz.org/Niagara to register or learn more.

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 has 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.

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 or call 800-272-3900.