The Alzheimer's Association is inviting Rutherford County residents to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®. Walk to End Alzheimer's will take place on October 29 at the MTSU Soccer and Track Field. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. followed by the opening ceremony and walk at 9 a.m.

Walk to End Alzheimer's is more than a walk. It is an experience for hundreds of participants in the area who will learn about Alzheimer's disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities and clinical studies enrollment to support programs and services. Walk participants also honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony.

"Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research," states Michelle Thomas, senior manager of development for the Alzheimer's Association. "It is also a chance for the community to gather at a local level to honor loved ones and raise awareness of a disease that affects so many."

In addition to the two mile walk participants will have a chance to learn more about the Alzheimer's Association programs and services, visit with local vendors and participate in a special tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer's. The special tribute, the Promise Garden Ceremony, allows for participants to come together and make a commitment to fulfill their promise to remember, to honor, to care and to fight Alzheimer's disease. Through colored flowers, the Promise Garden ceremony represents the diverse reasons participants have gathered to participate. On Walk day, walkers will have an opportunity to receive a promise flower and write a personal message on it to further strengthen their dedication.

New this year is the Wacky Purple Contest. We are encouraging kids who attend to dress in their wackiest purple. The kid who wins the wackiest outfit will have the chance to be Grand Marshal of our event and their team will lead the walk.

Creekside at Three Rivers Assisted Living returns as our presenting sponsor this year and the MTSU Men's Basketball team will also be attending to help with the event and meet with walkers.

Alzheimer's disease is a growing epidemic and the nation's sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today's more than 5 million Americans to as many as 16 million by 2050.

There will be onsite registration or participants can visit alz.org/walk to register online. To learn more about disease and available resources, call the toll-free Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.