Thousands of participants are expected to gather at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, November 7, for the Philadelphia Walk to End Alzheimer’s, as organizers launch another major effort to raise awareness, support families and accelerate the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
This year’s Philadelphia event is aiming to raise $2 million for the Alzheimer’s Association, making it one of the organization’s most significant fundraising events in the region. The Philadelphia Walk is also recognized as the second-largest Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in the country, highlighting the city’s longstanding involvement in the fight against dementia.
A Major Community Effort Against Alzheimer’s
Every fall, more than 600 communities across the United States come together for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, described as the world’s largest event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
The event goes beyond fundraising. It brings together individuals living with dementia, caregivers, families, medical professionals, community organizations and supporters who share a common goal: creating a future without Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that can gradually affect memory, thinking, communication and a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities. The condition also places a significant emotional and financial burden on families and caregivers.
More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. In Pennsylvania, the need for greater awareness, care and support is particularly significant, with more than one in every 10 people aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
Philadelphia Walk Set for Citizens Bank Park
The Philadelphia Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Saturday, November 7, at Citizens Bank Park, bringing thousands of people together for a day centered on remembrance, community support and action.
Participants will have an opportunity to walk in honor of loved ones who have been affected by Alzheimer’s, remember those who have lost their lives to the disease and show support for people currently living with dementia.
The event’s $2 million fundraising goal will support the Alzheimer’s Association, a global voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
The organization works across several areas, including research, risk reduction, early detection, care and support, with the broader objective of improving the lives of people affected by dementia while working toward better treatments and, ultimately, an end to the disease.
Promise Garden Ceremony Highlights Walk Day
One of the most meaningful moments of the Philadelphia Walk will be the Promise Garden ceremony, which allows participants to publicly demonstrate their personal connection to Alzheimer’s and dementia.
During the ceremony, participants carry flowers of different colors. Each color represents a different relationship or connection to the disease, creating a powerful visual display of the number of people and families affected.
The ceremony serves as a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a personal story involving families, friends, caregivers and communities.
For many participants, the flowers represent a loved one they are honoring, remembering or supporting. Together, the flowers form a Promise Garden symbolizing solidarity and a shared commitment to finding a different future for those affected by dementia.
The Phillie Phanatic Joins the Cause
The Philadelphia Walk has also attracted support from familiar local figures and community personalities.
The Phillie Phanatic has joined participants at previous Philadelphia Walk events at Citizens Bank Park, adding a distinctly Philadelphia element to a day focused on an issue affecting millions of families.
The presence of community figures helps bring additional attention to the event and encourages more people to participate, raise funds and learn about resources available to families dealing with dementia.
Where the Money Goes
Money raised through the Philadelphia Walk is designed to have an impact both locally and nationally.
A portion of the funds supports programs that directly assist families dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. These services include educational programs, support groups and resources designed to help caregivers and families better understand and navigate the challenges associated with dementia.
Participants and their families can also access the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900, which provides information and support to individuals dealing with dementia-related concerns.
Walk fundraising also contributes to efforts aimed at expanding access to Alzheimer’s diagnostics and treatments. The Alzheimer’s Association additionally supports advocacy and initiatives at the local, state and federal levels, including dementia research, health-care professional training and public awareness.
Organizers Encourage More People to Participate
Fran Gibbons, senior development director for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, emphasized the importance of every participant and fundraiser in helping advance the organization’s mission.
“Every person who registers, raises funds or joins us on Walk day helps move us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia,” Gibbons said, while expressing appreciation for the Philadelphia community’s continued support.
The organization is encouraging people to participate regardless of whether they are directly affected by Alzheimer’s or simply want to support the cause.
For families who have experienced the disease firsthand, the event provides an opportunity to honor loved ones and connect with others who understand their journey. For supporters, it offers a chance to contribute to research, education, care and advocacy efforts.
How to Join the Philadelphia Walk
Those interested in participating can register for the Philadelphia Walk to End Alzheimer’s and begin fundraising ahead of the November 7 event.
Participants can walk individually, form teams with family and friends or join existing groups supporting the cause. Every registration, donation and fundraising effort contributes to the broader campaign to improve care and support for people affected by dementia.
With a $2 million fundraising target, organizers are hoping Philadelphia once again demonstrates its strong community support for the fight against Alzheimer’s.
The event ultimately represents more than a walk. It is a gathering of people determined to remember those lost to the disease, support those living with it today and help create a future where Alzheimer’s and other dementias no longer devastate millions of families.
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