By Cynthia Perthuis, CDP, CADDCT, CSA
Southwest Florida families are once again invited to step up, literally, for one of the year’s most meaningful causes. This fall, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s returns to both Lee and Collier Counties, and Senior Care Authority is proud to take part in these powerful community events. As a company that works every day with families navigating dementia and other cognitive challenges, we know firsthand how much this cause matters, and we’re inviting our clients, partners, and neighbors to walk alongside us.
What Is the Walk to End Alzheimer’s?
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Held annually in hundreds of communities nationwide, it brings together caregivers, families, healthcare professionals, and advocates who have all been touched by Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia in some way. More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and millions more serve as unpaid caregivers for a parent, spouse, or friend. The Walk exists to support all of them, through direct services, education, and cutting-edge research toward prevention, treatment, and ultimately a cure.
Every dollar raised stays close to home and also fuels national research initiatives. Funds help the Alzheimer’s Association provide its free 24/7 Helpline, support groups, care consultations, and educational programs to families across Florida, one of the states hit hardest by this disease. Florida is home to hundreds of thousands of residents living with Alzheimer’s, and Southwest Florida’s large retiree population makes this cause especially close to our community.
2026 Fort Myers Walk — Lee County
The Lee County event kicks off the season on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Florida SouthWestern State College, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. Registration and festivities begin at 8:00 a.m., with the Promise Garden ceremony and walk beginning at 8:45 a.m. Participants of all ages are welcome, and the event is free to join, though fundraising is strongly encouraged to help the local chapter reach its $160,000 goal.
2026 Naples Walk — Collier County
Just a few weeks later, the Collier County community will gather on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the scenic Baker Park along the Gordon River in downtown Naples. The event begins at 8:00 a.m., with the opening ceremony and walk following at 9:00 a.m. This year’s Naples campaign has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $230,000, and past walks here have drawn hundreds of participants and dozens of teams from across the community.
Both events feature the signature Promise Garden ceremony, where participants carry colored flowers representing their personal connection to Alzheimer’s, blue for those living with the disease, purple for those who have lost someone, yellow for caregivers, and orange for supporters of the cause and the Alzheimer’s Association’s vision. It’s a simple but moving moment that unites everyone on the walk route, regardless of why they showed up.
Why Senior Care Authority Walks
At Senior Care Authority, we spend our days helping families find the right care solutions for aging loved ones, many of whom are living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. We see the toll this disease takes, not just on the person diagnosed, but on spouses, adult children, and entire families trying to navigate an uncertain and often overwhelming journey. Supporting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is one tangible way we can give back to the community we serve every day, while also standing shoulder to shoulder with the families we work with.
Our team has participated in past Naples and Fort Myers walks, forming teams, raising funds, and connecting with other local caregivers and organizations. We know that a single walk won’t cure Alzheimer’s, but the cumulative effect of thousands of people across the country lacing up their shoes for the same cause has already driven real progress in research and support services.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’ve been personally affected by Alzheimer’s or simply want to support a cause that touches nearly every family eventually, there are several ways to participate:
Register to walk as an individual or join a team at your chosen location.
Start or join a team, including reaching out to see if Senior Care Authority has a team you can join.
Make a donation to support a participant or the overall campaign goal.
Volunteer on event day to help with setup, registration, or logistics.
Registration is free for both the Fort Myers and Naples walks, and information can be found at act.alz.org. If you or someone you love is facing a dementia diagnosis and you’re unsure where to turn for care guidance, Senior Care Authority is also here to help year-round, not just on Walk day.
We hope to see you at Baker Park in Naples or on the Florida SouthWestern campus in Fort Myers this fall. Every step brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.
239-330-2133 | www.scanyfl.com