High school cheerleaders lined the walkway shaking pompoms and ringing bells as 620 people walked under an arch of purple and white balloons during the 4th annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s Santa Clarita.
Over $90,000 was raised from Saturday’s event at Bridgeport Park, which is used to support local programs and national funding to find a cure to Alzheimer’s.
“It is impossible for you to find someone who is not somewhat touched by this disease,” said Rick Ferrante, the event chair of the walk.
That was the case for a myriad people who were present, some of which were walking in memory of relatives who passed away from Alzheimer’s.
One such person was 12-year-old Alijah Wilkerson who was part of a 15 person team that walked in memory of Wilkerson’s great-grandmother, who passed away from Alzheimer’s while he was still an infant. The members of the team wore a shirt bearing her name on the back: Anselma Diluigi.
“I did this in respect of her,” said Wilkerson.
The SCV walk was one of 600 walks that the Alzheimer’s Association puts on nationally.
As a result of the funds raised, the association has been able to bring more resources to the Santa Clarita Valley for those affected with Alzheimer’s such as support groups, educational materials and more.
Last year, there was only one support group for those who care for others with Alzheimer’s in SCV.
“Now there’s five,” said Ferrante.
Many people who participated expect to return for future walks such as Bryan Piolatto, who went with his family.
“We will be back next year for sure,” said Piolatto.
