The annual Alzheimer Calgary Walk and Run is set for Sunday (Oct. 13) which will start at Prince's Island Park.
Registration for people doing the walk only will be open from 8:00 to 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, with the welcome and warm-up from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. The actual Walk and Run kicks off at 10:00 a.m. and will go until noon.
Megan Williams, the Communication Speaclaist at Alzheimer Calgary said the event has run annually since 1990.
"It's really a Thanksgiving tradition for so many Calgarians and people in the area who want to raise awareness and honour their loved ones who have been impacted by dementia. Come out and walk with us on Sunday and you can burn off all that turkey and pumpkin pie for sure," Williams said.
This is the third year that Williams has been involved with the Walk and Run, and she said it's always an exciting time to be involved at the event.
She'll be at the "Still Me" Cheer Station this year.
"Our Still Me Cheer Station is all about encouraging everyone who is at the event to stop by and learn a little bit more about what living well post-dementia diagnosis looks like," she added.
Williams also mentioned that in her time being a part of the Alzheimer Calgary Walk and Run, she has seen the numbers grow in size and funds raised. The funds raised will be distributed not only within Calgary but across the surrounding area, including the Foothills.
Williams is passionate about helping those in need and has some experience giving aid to those who have dementia and Alzheimer's, having met many of them in her time working with Alzheimer's Calgary.
"Personally, my grandfather also lived with dementia, so I have seen firsthand what it's like for families to navigate the journey. That's really why we are here at Alzheimer's Calgary, is to support families, and care partners, answer questions, and provide education or resources to families that really do have questions as they go down the road and they are tackling all the things that happen when you are dealing with a dementia diagnosis," Williams said.
For those who are still interested in registering for the Walk and Run, registrations are being accepted until Saturday (Oct. 12) at 2:00 p.m.
To find out the resources available to the local community, or to register for the Walk and Run, visit the Alzheimer Calgary webpage.