Coeur d'Alene walks to end Alzheimer's

COEUR d’ALENE — Community members walked with purpose at the 2024 Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday. 

A few hundred people walked the 3-mile loop at Riverstone Park in Coeur d'Alene, most wearing purple and many carrying flowers — each differently-colored flower signifying their personal connection to the disease. Some walked to remember or in support of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, while others simply came out to support the cause.  

“Today is a fundraising event, but it's also about awareness,” said Jordan Hunter, a manager with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  

Several local senior and home care facilities had representatives on-site to speak to those who may need resources. All funds raised by Saturday’s event go directly to research, care and support services for those living with Alzheimer’s, said Hunter. 

“The impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia is huge and increasing,” Hunter explained. “It’s a very sad disease, so we try to make today as happy and uplifting as possible.” Over 29,000 people are currently living with Alzheimer’s in Idaho alone.  

Jay Daniels, a host of “The Jay and Kevin Show” on 99.9 KXLY FM, spoke to the crowd ahead of the walk. 

“Looking out over this sea of purple is inspiring, to say the least,” said Daniels. 

Daniels explained how even though some Alzheimer’s treatments are becoming available, few have access to them because of cost and other factors.  

“We will not rest until everyone living with this disease has access to treatments, care and support they need,” said Daniels.  

The Alzheimer’s Association has raised $45 million since 2016 for Alzheimer’s research and resources.  

    Many participating in Saturday's Walk to End Alzheimer's walked in teams, like Team Thulon Against Alzheimer's, pictured here.