AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 11, 2026
Community Rallies for Augusta Walk to End Alzheimer's
The upcoming Augusta Walk to End Alzheimer’s is bringing together local families and advocates to raise funds and increase awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. Scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at Evans Towne Center Park, the event is part of a statewide movement that includes about 20 walks across Georgia.
Personal Stories Drive Caregivers’ Support
For Bonita Jenkins, caregiving is more than a responsibility—it’s a deeply personal mission. As her mother’s caregiver, Jenkins experiences firsthand the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s disease. She says that participating in Alzheimer’s Association meetings has become a source of therapy and support, helping her adapt to new responsibilities as a caregiver.
"The Alzheimer’s meetings became therapy for me," Jenkins explained. "I was so dedicated into being a new caregiver and learning those things." She credits her involvement to Phyllis Kitchens Thurman, the board chair of the Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia, whose guidance and the association’s meetings provided crucial support.
The Role of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Walk
The Alzheimer’s Association organizes the Walk to End Alzheimer’s as its largest national fundraiser. Thurman notes that about seven million people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease globally. The impact extends beyond those diagnosed to entire families, often requiring 24-hour care and a strong support network. "It’s a devastating disease that not only affects the person, but the family. It’s a 24-hour caregiving situation," Thurman stated.
Jenkins, whose mother has moved in with her, emphasizes the need for community involvement: "I will be with my mom at the walk, but we need the community to support us as we raise funds." She plans to walk alongside her mother at this year’s event, highlighting the importance of family caregiving and community solidarity.
Promise Garden Flower Ceremony and Traditions
A highlight of the augusta walk is the Promise Garden flower ceremony, a tradition that allows participants to express their connections to Alzheimer’s disease. The flowers’ colors signify different roles: orange for advocates, blue for those living with the disease, purple for those lost to it, and yellow for caregivers. Attendees can also write the names of loved ones they wish to honor and place them in a memory garden, underscoring the shared experiences that bring participants together.
Thurman describes the ceremony as a moment that unites individuals from various backgrounds but with a common purpose in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Event Details and How to Participate
The Augusta Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place at Evans Towne Center Park, 7016 Evans Town Center Boulevard. The event opens to participants at 9 a.m., with the opening ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. Anyone interested in joining, finding a team, or making a donation can visit ALZ.org. Supporters who wish to back Bonita Jenkins’s team can search for her name on the event’s registration page.
Community Importance and Support
The Augusta Walk to End Alzheimer’s is more than just an alzheimers fundraiser—it is a demonstration of community awareness and solidarity for families navigating Alzheimer’s disease. For Jenkins and many others, the walk provides both practical resources and emotional support as they continue their caregiving journeys, emphasizing the collective effort needed to assist those affected by this illness.
Source: wjbf.com.
