Akron, Ohio – Alzheimer’s Association Executive Director Cheryl Kanetsky announced today that Barbara A. Sykes will be the Honorary Chair for the
2020 Akron Walk to End Alzheimer’s (link), Akron’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
“When someone like former-Representative Sykes volunteers to use their networks, their stature, and their voice to amplify our mission to end this disease – we are so grateful,” noted Kanetsky. Sykes will be working in tandem with Walk Chair Kim Palmer of Cohen & Company, to lead the Akron Walk’s volunteer planning committee.
Sykes brings a distinguished record to the chapter’s largest event, as Akron’s first African-American city councilwoman, and a career that’s included three terms as state representative, President and CEO of Ohio United Way, State Director of AARP Ohio, and her current role as President & CEO of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation.
“I am honored and pleased to join the fight to end Alzheimer, and I’m looking forward to engaging the community and raising awareness of the impact Alzheimer is having on our families, friends and neighbors throughout Greater East Ohio,” noted Sykes.
The Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter works at the local level to raise awareness that Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia; the sixth leading cause of death, Alzheimer’s is the only one of the top ten leading causes of death with no method of prevention, treatment, or slowing it down.
In working to reach more individuals and caregivers with services, the Alzheimer’s Association notes that older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older whites, but are less likely to have a diagnosis or utilize available services.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, collectively the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Walk calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. The Akron Walk is the largest of seven in the Greater East Ohio Area Chapter, serving 17 counties, making a number of free local services possible for those with memory loss and their caregivers.
“More than 220,000 Ohioans are living with Alzheimer’s, and for each of those individuals, 2-3 loved ones are providing unpaid care. The Alzheimer’s Association offers free services like our 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), monthly caregiver support groups, community speakers, early-stage social programs, clinical trial matching, and more,” added Kanetsky.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2020 will return to Canal Park Stadium, home of the Akron RubberDucks, on Saturday, September 19. Online registration for Walk 2020 has opened at
act.alz.org/akronwalk (link). For more information on the Walk, contact 234.284.2756. Families impacted by the disease are encouraged to visit
alz.org/eastohio (link) for additional information or contact 800.272.3900.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.