The Indianapolis community will take strides toward a future without Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 4, during the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s at IUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium.
Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter, the walk brings together families, friends and neighbors to honor those affected by the disease while raising funds for research and support services.
“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s,” said Morgan Jessup, walk director for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Indianapolis. “There are now treatments that change the course of the disease. We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and ultimately a cure.”
Local impact and fundraising success
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 121,000 Hoosiers and 219,000 family caregivers across Indiana, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Nationally, more than 7 million Americans live with the disease, while nearly 12 million friends and family members provide care.
Indianapolis has become a leader in fundraising efforts for Alzheimer’s research and care. Last year, the local walk raised over $1.4 million, making it the fourth-largest walk out of more than 600 events nationwide.
In 2024, the 13 Walk to End Alzheimer’s events across Greater Indiana raised a combined $2.5 million.
“We are so grateful to this community for leading the way to end this disease – in more ways than one,” said Natalie Sutton, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter. “Not only is Indianapolis one of the top cities in the country when it comes to fundraising, we are home to some of the most exciting dementia research. The new era of treatment, research advancements and hope would not be possible without the support and stewardship of Hoosiers. Together we have made tremendous progress – but we won’t stop fighting until there is a cure.”
Organizers have set a goal of $1.58 million for this year’s walk.
Promise Garden ceremony
One of the most symbolic moments of the event is the Promise Garden ceremony, held before participants set out on the walk. During the ceremony, walkers hold flowers in different colors to represent their personal connection to the disease: those living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, individuals who have lost someone to the disease and supporters of the cause.
The garden serves as a visual tribute and reminder of the collective effort needed to fight Alzheimer’s.
A growing need for action
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. As the population ages, the number of Americans affected by the disease continues to rise, along with the demand for support and treatment options.
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a time when communities worldwide focus on raising awareness and taking action against dementia. Events like the Indianapolis walk play a vital role in funding services for families while also contributing to groundbreaking research.
Registration and sponsors
Those interested in participating can register online at act.alz.org/indianapolis.
The Indianapolis walk is made possible by support from local and national sponsors, including Edward Jones, Eli Lilly and Company, Leo Brown Group, OneAmerica Financial, Anthem, City Wide Facility Solutions, CNO Financial Group, Salesforce, Traditions Management LLC and Indiana University Health.
The event is part of a nationwide effort organized by the Alzheimer’s Association, which has hosted walks since 1989. Now known as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, it is the world’s largest event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
For more information and updates, visit act.alz.org/indianapolis.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
