Alzheimer's walk returns to Twin Lakes Park

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is back.

After being online in 2020, the Westmoreland County Walk to End Alzheimer’s — part of the world’s largest fundraiser dedicated to raising awareness and funds to fight the devastating neurodegenerative disease — will be held this weekend at Twin Lakes Park in Unity.

Mike Morlacci, who has walked in the past, is walking and volunteering at the event this year and urging friends and his Unity neighbors to get involved in the event that steps off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

Morlacci has known a number of people over the years who have suffered from Alzheimer’s. It struck close to home when his mother, Irene Morlacci of Leechburg, began to suffer the effects of the disease that took her life three years ago.

“It certainly robbed her of her personality and robbed her family of a vibrant woman. Each step we walk Saturday—and there are 4,000 steps in the 2-mile walk — is a step toward raising funds for a cure,” he said.

There are 323 walkers registered to participate in this year’s event, which includes virtual walk options as well as the trek at Twin Lakes.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk.

This year’s walk comes on the heels of a desperate call to action in Harrisburg, where experts are calling on the Legislature to address what they say is a coming care crisis in one of the oldest states in the country. They predict the progressive illness that robs victims of their memories and other cognitive functions and already afflicts 280,000 people across the state could impact as many as 320,000 Pennsylvanians by 2025.

“And it’s not just the victims, it’s the caregivers, too,” Morlacci said.

Experts say as many as 500,000 family members and caregivers provide care and support in a state that has a capacity of only 17,157 slots for dementia services in certified eldercare facilities.

The walk is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.