On Sunday, September 20th, the Alzheimer’s Association welcomed 750 people to Wolfe’s Pond Park in Staten Island to support an end to Alzheimer’s. The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s raised nearly $60,000 to fund care, support, and research programs.
A photo slideshow is below, and you can see their speakers and the participants as they prepare for the Walk. This event raises money for research, care, and support programs, including skilled care to allow patients to stay in their homes for as long as possible:
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S RAISES NEARLY $60,000 IN STATEN ISLAND
STATEN ISLAND, NY – On Saturday, September 20, more than 750 people came together in Wolfe’s Pond Park to fight Alzheimer’s disease. The Staten Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s brings people together to raise money for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.
Local resident Christine Pizzariello, who was the Walk’s top fundraiser with her husband, Anthony, is caring for her mother and mother-in-law, who both have dementia. She said, “While raising funds for our walk, my husband and I have come to the realization of how common this disease is. The more people we talk to, the more we meet other families affected by Alzheimer’s.” She added, “At times we cannot help but feel sorry for ourselves and question why this is happening to our families and so many families of those close to us, but gathering with others who are affected by this disease rejuvenates my soul. It reassures us we are not alone and there are so many people that understand how we feel and what we are going through on a daily basis.”
More than 9,200 people in Richmond County are living with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association has been expanding its free programs, services, and partnerships in Staten Island–funds raised by the Walk are critical for this expansion.
Christine Pizzariello, who is a teacher, also said that she walks “ for my nieces and nephews, as well as my many students.” This walk is always filled with local students and teachers, as volunteers, walkers, and on stage. I.S.24 Dance Company, led by Therese Causi, provided a fun warm-up. And local teacher, radio host and singer Vinnie Megundo once again served as emcee for the event.
The Walk was organized by its committee: Anne Matrone, Ashley Marie Davis, Rhea Restivo, Alice Acampora, Barbara Doty, Jessica Davis, Marie Christman, Eileen Fields Cohen, Marisa Streppone. It was made possible thanks to its sponsors The Brielle, Rampulla & Newstad, Northwell Health, and SHERO Senior Living Advisors as well as in-kind donors La Dolce Bakery and Bagels N Buns.
You can still donate to the Staten Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s through the end of the year at act.alz.org/statenislandwalk.
Banner Image: Ashley Marie Davis welcomes people to the Staten Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Image Credit – Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer's Association NYC Chapter
In New York, more than 426,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association New York City Chapter is here to help in the five boroughs. We provide education and support, advocate for the needs and rights of those facing dementia, and advance critical research to develop new treatments and, ultimately, a cure.