Walking Together for a Brighter Tomorrow: Bluffton Unites Against Alzheimer’s
On a beautiful Saturday morning, Bluffton was alive with energy and hope as hundreds gathered to participate in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. With nearly 7 million Americans currently battling Alzheimer’s, this event was more than just a walk; it was a heartfelt mission to raise awareness and funds for a cause that deeply affects families throughout the Lowcountry and across the nation.
A Cause Close to Home
According to Ashton Houghton, the Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association South Carolina Chapter, the numbers are staggering. “In South Carolina alone, there are over 112,500 individuals living with this devastating disease,” Houghton shared. She also pointed out that more than 11 million family members and friends are providing care, highlighting the profound impact this disease has on our communities.
Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and the statistics can be overwhelming. But on this energetic day in Bluffton, the atmosphere was fueled by hope and determination.
Making a Powerful Statement
This year, the Bluffton Walk was a fantastic success, with over 350 participants, raising more than $87,000. The goal is to reach $110,000 by the end of the year, as fundraising efforts will continue until December 31. The money raised during this event will go towards crucial research, as well as support and care programs offered by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Among the participants was Amanda Phillips Hilley, a dedicated Hilton Head resident who has participated in the Bluffton Walk since 2018 and joined in the Aiken event eight years before that. Hilley shared her motivation for walking: “I participate each year in memory of my dad, for the families throughout our region who are faced with Alzheimer’s, and for the hope to one day find the first survivor to this awful disease.” Her heartfelt words resonated with many, echoing the shared experience of losing loved ones to dementia.
A Time for Change
Hilley emphasized that now is an exciting time for Alzheimer’s research. “We are entering a new era of treatment, where we now have FDA-approved treatments for those in the earliest stages to slow the disease,” she said. This promising development offers a glimmer of hope to many, fueling the fight against Alzheimer’s and reminding everyone that they are not alone in this battle.
Hilley’s advocacy doesn’t end with her participation. She encourages others to get involved by volunteering, donating, or simply seeking out educational programs provided by the Alzheimer’s Association. Every small step can contribute to a larger change in the fight against this disease.
A Community Effort
As the event continued, Houghton expressed gratitude to all who participated, including volunteers, sponsors, and passionate team members. Teams like the City of Hardeeville and the University of South Carolina Beaufort brought even more community spirit to the gathering. “The funds raised will help fuel disease research while also providing critical care and support to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” Houghton stated, highlighting the direct benefits of the generous support received.
Join the Fight
The Alzheimer’s Association has named the Walk to End Alzheimer’s the world’s largest fundraising event dedicated to the cause, with over 600 communities participating nationwide. This collective effort brings together people from all walks of life, each with their personal stories and reasons for supporting the fight against Alzheimer’s.
If you want to help in this essential mission, donations can be made online to further support the cause. Every contribution, big or small, plays a part in moving closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.
As participants wrapped up the day with smiles, hugs, and a sense of purposeful achievement, one thing was clear: together, Bluffton is taking strides to combat a challenging reality, united in hope and determination.
