Charlotte Morton, of Lewiston, front, was one of about 200 people to take part in the city’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s-Lakes & Mountains at Simard-Payne Memorial Park Sept. 17. The Midcoast walk is this Saturday, Oct. 15, at Maine Street Mall & Gazebo in Brunswick. Russ Dillingham / Sun Journal

The Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter hosts its annual Midcoast Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Maine Street Mall & Gazebo in Brunswick. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, according to a prepared release.

The walk will be emceed by Instagram and TikTok creator Meredith Steele. Steele is inviting the public to join her team, TikTok Walkers, or to donate.

“I’m putting together a team, which anyone can join,” Steele said in a recent TikTok post. “If you live near me and want to participate, that would be lovely. You can join my team or donate if you feel compelled to — and I just appreciate you guys, and we’re going to do it and we’re going to do a good job together.”

In 2021, more than 100 participants and 30 teams joined the Midcoast Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s while raising over $43,000 towards research and care and support programs for people living with Alzheimer’s, their families and caregivers. This year, the walk aims to raise $52,000.

“We encourage people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to help us take the first step toward a world without Alzheimer’s by joining us for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Drew Wyman, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter. “This event helps us continue to provide resources and programs for Maine families affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and fund important research to end this devastating disease.”

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Maine alone, there are more than 29,000 people living with the disease and 46,000 caregivers.

Participants can choose to start a team, join a team or walk as an individual during the annual fundraiser. To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/maine/walk.

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