MOSES LAKE — It’s an event that in all reality most people wish didn’t have to be held every year. Raising money for Alzheimer’s research is swell and all, but the majority of people would rather Alzheimer’s Disease not be a thing and not be something that has to be fought against on all fronts. Alzheimer’s isn’t going away right now however, which is why events like the 2018 Moses Lake Walk to End Alzheimer’s are of vital importance to raise money to combat the deadly disease.

“The idea of the walk is to raise awareness that this disease is happening and every 65 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease,” Alzheimer’s Association Special Events Coordinator Leslie Woodfill said.

This year’s walk will take place next Saturday at Moses Lake High School, with registration set for 8:30 a.m., the opening ceremony slated for 9:45 a.m. and the 3-mile walk kicking off at 10 a.m. In past years the event was held over at Yonezawa Park and event organizers want the public to be aware that the event venue has been changed. As it stands currently 31 teams, comprised of over 100 people, have raised over $27,500 for the event, which is not too far off from the overall goal of $32,200 that was set by organizers.

“We are always looking for new walkers,” Woodfill remarked. “We will be raising funds for research, advocacy and things like that. What is important to realize is that all of the money raised is going to help people with the disease, their families and hopefully help so that fewer families are impacted by this disease.”

Alzheimer's Disease affects more than 5 million Americans, with over 150,000 people suffering from the disease in Washington and Idaho alone. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect the person who has the disease however. In 2017, 16 million American caregivers gave around 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at $232 billion. In 2018 alone Alzheimer's is expected to cost the country $277 billion, with the number expected to hit $1.1 trillion by 2050, according to www.act.alz.org.

“One thing that you hear people take away from the walk is the idea that we are not alone.”

To register for the walk visit act.alz.org. For more information contact Leslie Woodfill at 509-321-4538.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.