Nearly 2,000 area residents participated in this year’s hosting Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Charlotte in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease at Romare Bearden Park. The event has raised more than $739,000 so far to fund research, reduce risk, increase early detection, and provide quality care and support to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. The community hopes to raise $1,000,000 by the end of the year.
The Sharon at SouthPark is the current top fundraising team for this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising $52,718. The other top fundraising teams currently include Senior Living Communities ($45,785), and Hogan Lovells Cadwalader Charlotte ($42,788).
The Association is keeping up the momentum and continuing to raise critical funds and awareness with a goal to raise $1,000,000 by the end of the year. Walk Day may have passed, but donations are still being accepted through Dec. 31 at act.alz.org/Charlotte or call 800-272-3900.
“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. With new treatments and proven lifestyle habits that support brain health, there is real hope,” said Christine John-Fuller, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association – Western North Carolina Chapter. “We greatly appreciate all who supported us this year to make the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Charlotte such a huge success.”
On Walk day, participants honored those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease.
The day included fun, all-ages entertainment, and family-friendly music. The Opening Ceremony was emceed by Tara Lane and Julian Sadur with Queen City News. Both have personal connections to the disease. The Finish Line Celebration was emceed by Rae Styles with 105.3 RNB and Melanie Pratt with Praise 102.5FM/610AM.
More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, nearly 13 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In North Carolina, there are more than 210,000 people living with the disease and 338,000 caregivers. Mecklenburg County has an Alzheimer’s prevalence rate of 12.5% in its age 65 and older population.
