Covington County Mini Walk to End Alzheimer's October 18 at LBW

The Covington County Mini Walk to End Alzheimer’s, benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, will be held Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. on the Barbara L. McClain Walking Trail at LBW Community College in Andalusia.

The event schedule includes:

• Registration at 2 p.m.
• Promise Garden Ceremony at 3 p.m.
• The walk immediately following on the Barbara L. McClain Walking Trail

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer's during the Promise Garden ceremony, a tradition of the Walk to End Alzheimer's. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s and their reasons for supporting efforts to end the disease.

"This is a cause that's close to me," said DeAndra Pyron, an LBW employee and Alzheimer's Association supporter. "Dementia robbed me, my dad, my brother, my boys, and our entire family. But most of all, it stole my mom from me."

"I walk to end Alzheimer's because I don't want other families to experience the heartbreak that mine has endured," Pyron said. She has participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's for the past 10 years, raising between $7,000 and $10,000.

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, a leading cause of death in the United States. In addition, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care for people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias.

In Alabama alone, there are more than 103,000 people living with the disease and 222,000 unpaid caregivers.

Those interested in participating or donating may register online and find updates through the event's Facebook page. Additional information is available from Pyron at dpyron@lbwcc.edu or 334-881-2247.