The SRC Arena Hosted The Annual Walk To End Alzheimer’s

SYRACUSE N.Y. (CITRUSTV NEWS) — Crowds dressed in purple rushed into the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College on Sunday morning for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, organized by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Once inside, participants made their way to the Promise Garden to collect the flower color that represents their connection to the cause — blue for those living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, purple for those who have lost someone, yellow for caregivers and orange for supporters.

The Alzheimer’s Association hopes to one day add a white flower to the garden — a symbol of the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease.

“I’m a senior citizen with mild cognitive impairment, and I’m third-generation Alzheimer’s. I’ve lost four people, which is why I’ve got four flowers,” said Blue Flower Carrier, Sue Clemmons.

Attendees could also honor loved ones at the Tribute Wall or add to the flower garland — small gestures that, together, created a powerful display of remembrance and hope.

“It’s the people and the passion and their hearts that really drive all of this forward for wanting a better world for their community members,” said Executive Director of Upstate New York Chapters with the Alzheimer’s Association, Kate Flannery.

After an opening ceremony recognizing flower holders and donors, the walk officially began.

The funds raised for this event go to efforts for finding a cure, along with efforts for change in public policy. This year, the Syracuse Walk to End Alzheimer’s raised over $300,000.

“Alzheimer’s and dementia is not natural aging; it is a brain disease and it needs to be responded to as such,” said Flannery.

The Alzheimer’s Association is actively pushing congress to pass the ADAPT act, the credit for caring act, and the ASAP Act.

“All three of those bills are extremely important to giving some relief to caregivers specifically. Not only are they caring for children, but they’re also caring for elderly adults with the disease,” said Advocacy Manager of Upstate New York Chapters with the Alzheimer’s Association, Isaac Smith.

As the walk came to a close, participants held their flowers with care — each one representing a story, a loved one, and a shared hope for a world without Alzheimer’s.

With every step and with every dollar raised, the Alzheimer’s Association moves closer to finding a cure and supporting those impacted today.

Reporter: Grace McCloskey