WASHINGTON — Grab a pair of sneakers and a water bottle: Saturday is the day for the National Capital Walk to End Alzheimer’s on the National Mall. There isn’t a registration fee to participate, but walkers are encouraged to donate or raise money.
“Everything that you do in the walk to raise money will go toward research and help people and their caregivers in D.C.,” said Chris Broullire, president and CEO of the National Capital Area Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Alzheimer’s disease can’t be prevented, cured or slowed down. It’s the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and when someone has it, the impact on families can be devastating.
“They might forget your name; they might forget your children’s names. They might not know who they are or where they are,” said Broullire, whose mother-in-law died from the disease. “After she was diagnosed, she lived for 11 years and she got to the point where she wasn’t really living — she was just breathing,” Broullire said.
Saturday’s walk has one- or two-mile options. Registration opens at 8 a.m. A ceremony kicks off at 9:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m.
Participants can register online or at the event at 4th Street and Madison Drive Northwest.
Online registration closes 9 a.m. Friday.
