Racine Sun

Kenosha and Racine counties were the real winners in September's 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Student Center, with organizers estimating that the more than 600 area residents taking part in the event teamed to raise nearly $110,000.

The Kenosha News reports that the funds have been earmarked to fund research and local services, including support groups, education, information and referral services, care and support, advocacy efforts and a 24-hour helpline.

“The Walk to End Alzheimer’s plays a critical role in advancing our mission in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” David Grams, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter, said. “We’re grateful for how the local community rallied together to raise awareness and funds to support our mission. We thank everyone for their unrelenting dedication to helping us end Alzheimer’s.”

The Sept. 24 walk was co-chaired by Suzanne Maki, director of sales and marketing at Ridgewood Care Center and Grande Prairie Care and Rehab Center, and Craig Simpkins, global director of finance and procurement and early career development at Johnson Controls.

Alzheimer’s affects more than six million individuals nationwide, including about 120,000 in Wisconsin and about 198,000 serving as caregivers.

In addition, there are about 6,500 people with Alzheimer’s above age 65 living in either Kenosha or Racine counties.

Donations can be made to the program through Dec. 31. Mail-in donations are to be sent to the organization’s regional mail-processing hub: Alzheimer’s Association, WTEA Kenosha & Racine Counties, Wisconsin, 7900 W. 78th