Alzheimer’s Walk in Okaloosa County raises over $26,000 for research, care

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — More than 300 people came together at the Air Force Armament Museum on Oct. 27 to support the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising over $26,000 for Alzheimer’s research, care, and local support.

Participants carried colored flowers to show their connections to the disease. Each color represented a unique story, with blue for those living with Alzheimer’s, purple for those who lost a loved one, yellow for caregivers, and orange for general supporters.

Sponsored locally by Emerald Coast Hospice Care and nationally by Edward Jones, the walk brought together people across Okaloosa County to support the Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter’s work.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects memory and thinking. In Florida, one in eight seniors faces this condition, and in Okaloosa County alone, there are approximately 3,700 residents over age 65 who live with Alzheimer’s.

Women make up two-thirds of all Alzheimer’s cases, and Black and Hispanic Floridians are more likely to develop the disease than others.

Donations for the Okaloosa County Walk are still open until Dec. 31 at alz.org/EmeraldCoastOCWalk, with every dollar going toward helping those affected and supporting continued research.

More information about Alzheimer’s and caregiver resources is available at alz.org or by calling the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.