Hermosa Beach Community Walks to Support Alzheimer’s

SHOWING SUPPORT: The South Bay community began the walk on the Hermosa Beach Pier on Oct. 2 in support of Alzheimer’s. Each team, formed within a family, friend group, company, or organization, was led by a team captain who headed the group’s fundraising goal. Photo courtesy of Annabelle Brewer

By Kayla Kinsey

Staff Writer

The 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s was held in Hermosa Beach on Oct. 2 as one of 600 two-mile walks happening nationwide that weekend.

Each participant in the walk carried a Promise Garden flower, the color of which showcased a person’s connection to the disease. The walk consisted of multiple teams of friends and family, and also included national and company teams who came together to pursue their fundraising goals for the walk. The funds gathered from the walk go toward the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit organization devoted to the support and prevention of Alzheimer’s.

“I really appreciated the walk because it was inspiring to come together as a community to support such an amazing cause,” sophomore Annabelle Brewer said. “The people there were very welcoming, and doing something like this for a good cause was really motivating for me. I want to help in any way I can.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 percent of primary care physicians believe medical resources are currently unable to support the growing number of people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. With more than six million people currently living with Alzheimer’s, fundraising and raising awareness can benefit care and research efforts.

“I think it is important to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease because so many people are suffering from it,” sophomore Sabrina Dela Barre said. “If people continue to come together like we saw in this walk, there is a greater chance of creating more widespread change.”

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s helps to raise valuable funds that go toward research and support programs for Alzheimer’s. According to the Walk’s communications coordinator, Greg Forni, the event raises awareness about Alzheimer’s and allows the community to honor friends and family members who have been affected by the disease.

“I am most thankful for the amazing volunteers and committee members in the Hermosa Beach area,” Forni said. “Without the support of these amazing volunteers, we would not be able to host events like these.”

According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Alzheimer’s and dementia deaths have increased by 16 percent in the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The walk ensured participants’ safety by including precautions such as hand sanitizer stations, a setup that preserved social distancing, and contactless registration.

“I think everybody did a good job with keeping safe while also having an amazing time,” Brewer said. “It’s cool to see how people still come together to support each other and an important cause in a time of uncertainty in the world.”

In the South Bay alone, walkers have raised almost $112,600 in support of Alzheimer’s. This year’s walk consisted of 60 teams and 251 participants.

“The most fulfilling part of the walk is having people attend the event knowing they have a community of support surrounding them,” Forni said. “The events are able to bring healing and new hope for the future.”