Relatively new to Fire Island, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s will spread its message of hope on Sunday, Sept. 7.
The event will start 10 a.m. with a ceremony at Saltaire Yacht Club followed by the walk at 10:30. Participants can check in at 9 a.m. at the club, located at 105 Marine Walk in Saltaire.
“This is one of five walks that we do out of Long Island, and this is our third year,” said Tinamarie Hardekopf, director of development for Alzheimer's Association-Long Island Chapter in Melville.
She explained that the organization is always looking for new areas to expand its walk, which is the largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's support and research in the world. Though still in its growing stage, Fire Island is expected to draw 300 participants this year, she said. Across the island, an estimated 6,000 participate each year, and one of the biggest events is in Babylon with approximately 2,000, according to Hardekopf.
“Everybody has been affected by the disease so we're trying to find areas that might not possibly have the support or know that the free support is out there. We're trying to get the word out to as many people to let them know of our free services and support that we offer,” Hardekopf told South Shore Press.
The push to find a cure for Alzheimer’s has generated new hope in recent years. As Hardekopf explains, “We are the largest private funder of research, so we are behind a lot of the work that's being done now to help find a cure. But in the meantime, we have been working toward finding a treatment, which was approved a few years back.”
These events throughout Long Island are a vital way to “continue this successful research that's going on,” according to Hardekopf.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s also strives to help families in practical ways right now with free services and support, including a meeting with a care consultant to address each family’s needs. “So, while we're looking for a cure, we're supporting the families,” she said.
The Fire Island area is relatively new to this support network. One of the ways that Fire Island will now benefit from its involvement, she said, is in training for first responders on communication strategies for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
As Hardekopf explained, “We’re working closely with the fire departments and the EMTs on this event….It’s really exciting we’re building our relationships out there.”
Hardekopf has been overseeing Walk to End Alzheimer’s for 10 years. As director, she covers both Suffolk and Nassau counties and finds it rewarding to be involved. “I view our walks as one big support group,” she said. “It's important that people, who have either lost someone or are currently caregiving, realize there are other people who are experiencing what they are or what they've gone through. It really brings people together to support one another and to learn about the support that's out there.”
She pointed out that during the ceremony at each event, speakers share their experiences thus encouraging others to reach out for help.
Other upcoming walks in Suffolk County include:
*North Fork on Saturday, Sept. 27, with check-in at 9 a.m. from Peconic Landing, 1500 Brecknock Road, Greenport
*Yaphank on Saturday, Oct. 18, with check-in at 9 a.m. from Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank
*North Babylon on Sunday, Oct. 19, with check-in at 9 a.m. from Belmont Lake State Park, Exit 38 on the Southern State, North Babylon
For further information on the walk check out alz.org/liwalk. To learn more about services visit alz.org/longisland.