Eisenhower Park walk raises $309K for Alzheimer’s research

More than 970 participants gathered at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on Sunday, Oct. 6, for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising over $309,000 for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. 

Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, the event included the walk’s signature Promise Garden Ceremony, where participants hold colored flowers representing their personal connection to the disease. Robert Schlener, member of the nonprofit’s Nassau Walk Committee, shared his motivation for participating in the walk.

“While my direct family does not have a history of Alzheimer’s, my wife’s family does and I want more time with my wife,” Schlener said in a statement. “I am actively participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s because I want my wife to live in a world without the risk of Alzheimer’s.”

After the walk, Tinamarie Hardekopf, director of development for the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter, thanked participants, sponsors and volunteers for contributing to the event’s success. 

“The funds raised will help fuel disease research while also providing critical care and support to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia,” Hardekopf said.

For more information about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit act.alz.org/longislandwalks.