Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in Tifton
TIFTON, Ga. – Tifton residents lace up their shoes to in support of the fight against Alzheimer’s.
The community gathered in downtown Tifton with a unified mission: to raise awareness and funds for a cause that affects millions worldwide.
“Now, for many of us here in times county or anywhere in southwest Georgia. This is a crisis that hits very close to home, that closer than we know. I learned today that Dougherty county specifically now has the fifth highest prevalence for Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia in the entire country,” said Madison Foglio, member, Walk to End Alzheimer’s Association.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s, organized annually by the Alzheimer’s Association, takes place in over 600 communities nationwide. This inspiring event invites participants of all ages to come together in the fight for treatment advancements and the hope of finding a cure.
“In 2022, I wasn’t able to say there was any treatment for Alzheimer’s. I am proud to say that we now have FDA approved drugs that may slow the progression of the disease for those in the early stages. Guys, that’s huge!” said Foglio.
Alec Joiner, Chair of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee, highlighted the significant contributions from Edward Jones Financial Services and discussed recent breakthroughs in the fight against the disease.
“We have raised over $45 million as a firm. And… then the 25 million she mentioned this year is just fund raising from our actual associates, and we have over 115,000 associates at Edward Jones. So, we’re deeply committed to this, and I’m encouraged by the FDA improvements and also the new blood testing that’s come out for Alzheimer’s. If you haven’t heard about that for people in their twenties, thirties and forties, to potentially be able to detect it early if they may have a high potential for Alzheimer’s. So, Edward Jones is deeply committed to this and deeply committed to participating in the walks and raising money and awareness,” said Joiner.
As the community continues to rally behind the cause, hope remains that with ongoing support and research, breakthroughs will pave the way for a future without Alzheimer’s.
“We are here because of you, and we’re here for you, and it’s because you walk that we can deliver 24/7 care and support. We’re able to advocate for people facing this disease and we’re able to fuel the groundbreaking research across the globe that’s ushering in a new era of treatment and quality care,” said Foglio.
De’Andra Jacobs reporting.
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