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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Walk to End Alzheimer’s?

The Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions. Learn more.

Do I have to register in order to walk?

Yes, we want to know you’re walking with us and need every walker to sign a standard waiver through their official registration.  Find your local Walk and register online, or print an offline registration form, at alz.org/walk

Is there a registration fee?

There is no registration fee for Walk. However, we ask every walker to make a personal donation and commit to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

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How do I register? 

To begin registering for a Walk, first search for your local event, then click "Register." If you're new to Walk, choose one of the three participation options - Form a Team, Join a Team, or Walk as an Individual.  If you're returning, please log in with your username and password, and follow the flow to complete registration. 

Does every walker get a t-shirt?

Every registered participant will receive a T-Shirt after achieving the fundraising minimum established at their local chapter. In most instances, this is $100.

How do I form a team?

Forming a Walk team is easy! Find your local Walk at alz.org/walk, and click "Register."  If you're a new participant, click "Start a Team." You will automatically become the team captain for your team. Then, ask friends, family and coworkers to join your team and the fight against Alzheimer’s.  If you are a returning walker, log in with your username and password, then chose to start a new team or re-start your team from last year.

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How many people should be on my team?

We recommend teams of 8-12, however there is no required number of people. Tell your friends, family and coworkers why you are walking and ask them to join you – you’ll have a team in no time!

What responsibilities does a team captain have?

Team captains are the heart of Walk. As a team captain, you recruit your team of family, friends and coworkers, help them fundraise, keep them motivated and have fun fighting for a great cause in the process. You will also have access to a team fundraising web page and numerous tools to make your team a success.

How do I start fundraising?

The best fundraising efforts start by sharing your personal story about why you're participating in the Walk. You can share your story on your personal Walk to End Alzheimer's fundraising page by logging in to your participant center. Once your page is updated, share it with friends, family, and coworkers via email, social networking, and word of mouth.  Learn more about fundraising by watching the video tutorials provided here.

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Where does the money go?

The funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer’s benefit the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. See this page for further information.

How is the money collected?

Submitting donations to the Alzheimer’s Association is quick and easy.  Donations can be made online, by submitting a check or money order by mail and hand-delivering cash, checks or money orders to your local Chapter. 

What is the Promise Garden?

The Promise Garden is a mission focused experience which calls for participants to come together, making a commitment to fulfill their promise to remember, to honor, to care and to fight Alzheimer’s disease.  Through color, Promise Flowers represent the diverse reasons participants have gathered.  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.

How do I get a Promise Garden flower?
On Walk day, you will receive a wristband. Each registered walker with a wristband will receive a Promise Garden flower. Please choose the color that best represents your connection to the disease.

  • Blue represents someone with Alzheimer's or dementia
  • Purple is for someone who has lost a loved one to the disease.
  • Yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
  • Orange is for everyone who supports the cause and vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.

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What is the Champions Club?

Walk to End Alzheimer’s is counting on you to lead the way! Raise $500 for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association and you’ll join the elite ranks of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Champions Club. Raise $1,000 and become a member of our Grand Champions Club. See our Champions Club page for more details.

How can my company participate in or sponsor a walk?

We’re counting on companies to be leaders in the community and in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.  Companies can participate in many ways including forming a team and sponsoring your local Walk.  Every Walk offers unique sponsorship opportunities, so please contact your local Chapter for more information.

Are pets, strollers, bicycles and skates allowed on walk day?

Walks are held in over 600 community locations each year and each has their own rules. Please contact your local Chapter for more information about the Walk location in which you plan to participate.

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How long is the route?

Walk is an all ages, all abilities event lasting 2-3 miles. Contact your local Chapter for more specific route information.

What happens if it rains?

Walk is a rain or shine event.  However, Walk may be cancelled in cases of severe weather.  If you have questions on the day of your Walk, feel free to call our national helpline at 800.272.3900

What is the history of Walk to End Alzheimer’s?

Memory Walk® began in 1989 with nine Alzheimer’s Association chapters raising $149,000 from 1,249 participants.  In 1993, Memory Walk grew into an event nationwide and raised $4.5 million at 167 locations. In 2014 more than 49,000  teams participated in more than 600 Walks across the country, raising more than $67 million.  The Alzheimer’s Association has mobilized millions of Americans in the fight against the disease, now we continue to lead the way with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s®.  The end of Alzheimer’s disease starts here.

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DONATE

To make a donation, first search for a walker to support.