To the Editor:

This year, being part of a Walk is taking on a whole new meaning. The Alzheimer’s Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for care, support and research of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

As many of us struggle to understand what “normal” means during these unprecedented times, more than 78,000 Rhode Islanders (24,000 diagnosed, 54,000 caregivers) continue to experience the additional challenges that Alzheimer’s and related dementias uniquely pose. Alzheimer’s disease has been, and continues to be, a growing health crisis and the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.

What compels you to get involved? For me and this event, it started by observing the impacts of this disease firsthand. Both of my maternal grandparents suffered – both physically and emotionally. The family and friends who cared for them, witnessing their slow and devastating demise, also suffered with them. This experience is all too familiar to all too many people, and this is our opportunity to help.

I am joining participants of all ages, ethnicities, and locations in the fight against this disease. On Sunday, Oct. 4, thousands of people from Providence, Cranston, Warwick and dozens of other local Rhode Island communities will come together (figuratively) to support all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Due to the current pandemic, the Alzheimer’s Association is foregoing a large gathering and instead encouraging everyone to walk as individuals or in small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails across their communities. By safely filling our local neighborhoods with walkers and raising critically-needed dollars, the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to provide care and support to families during these difficult times while also advancing important research toward methods of treatment and prevention.

I implore you to visit alz.org/walk to register, donate and learn more. Alzheimer’s disease is relentless, but so are we!

Rob Leblanc

Cranston