October 3 at ESL Ballpark
The Alzheimer’s Association invites Rochester-area residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 3 at ESL Ballpark in Rochester. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. and the Walk commencing at 10:15 a.m.
“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 Tom Kearney, chair of this year’s Walk in Rochester. “Together, we can build a brain‑healthy future and help end this disease. We invite everyone to join us by forming a team to raise awareness and funds for families facing Alzheimer’s today.” Kearney is a certified senior advisor at Senior Care Authority.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is highly personal for Martha Green of Pittsford. Green lost her husband, Bruce, to the disease last December. Her Walk team, the Green Dynamos, is currently the top fundraiser for this year’s Walk in Rochester, raising more than $17,000 to date.
“We started our team six years ago to help raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association’s research and programming,” Green says. “Bruce was a research scientist for pediatric vaccines, so raising money for research and education was important to him and something he could understand.
“Our first year, we raised around $4,000, and each year we have increased by a couple of thousand dollars. Last year we raised around $17,000, and this year I’m hoping to raise $20,000,” she says.
Funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s ensure the programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association are free to all who need them and support the research and advocacy efforts that have led to new treatments for people living in the early stage of the disease.
When Bruce was first diagnosed in 2018, the couple attended interactive social programs for people in the early stage offered by the Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter. In addition, Green says, “I took advantage of the 24-hour Helpline several times and have been a member of an online support group for many years. Since all these services cost money, but are offered at no cost by the Association, it’s important to me to continue to keep raising money through the Walk.”
Green recently joined the RFL Chapter’s Board of Directors. Along with fellow Board member Linda Epstein, she has raised funds for the Green Dynamos through an annual Mah Jong tournament. This year’s event in July raised more than $8,000.
On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.
Anyone interested in participating in this year’s Walk can visit act.alz.org/roc to register and learn more.
Provided information
Bruce and Martha Green at a previous Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Provided photo.
