The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will return to Fire Island on Sunday, Sept. 7, as part of a growing effort to expand awareness, support services and fundraising for Alzheimer’s research across Long Island.
The event begins with a ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Saltaire Yacht Club, followed by the walk at 10:30 a.m. Participant check-in opens 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 the Alzheimer's Association Long Island Chapter, based in Melville.
Hardekopf said the organization continues to seek new locations for its walk events, which serve as the Alzheimer’s Association’s largest fundraising initiative worldwide. Although still in its early stages, the Fire Island walk is expected to draw about 300 participants this year.
Across Long Island, approximately 6,000 people take part annually, with the largest walk in Babylon drawing around 2,000 participants, 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 Alzheimer’s Association has increased its investment in research in recent years, creating what Hardekopf described as a renewed sense of hope.
“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,” she said.
The organization also provides direct services to families, including consultations with care professionals.
“So, while we're looking for a cure, we're supporting the families,” Hardekopf said.
The Fire Island walk has also helped expand local outreach, including training for first responders on how to communicate with individuals who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
“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,” she said.
Hardekopf, who has overseen the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for 10 years across both Nassau and Suffolk counties, said the events offer more than just fundraising opportunities.
“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.”
Each event includes a ceremony in which speakers share personal stories meant to encourage others to seek help and support.
Additional upcoming walks in Suffolk County include:
- North Fork on Saturday, Sept. 27, with check-in at 9 a.m. at Peconic Landing, 1500 Brecknock Road, Greenport
- Yaphank on Saturday, Oct. 18, with check-in at 9 a.m. at Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank
- North Babylon on Sunday, Oct. 19, with check-in at 9 a.m. at Belmont Lake State Park, Exit 38 on the Southern State Parkway, North Babylon