News Release
Alzheimer’s Association St. Louis Chapter
9370 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-3214
800.272.3900 | www.alz.org/stl
For more information, contact
Lindy Noel, Communications & Marketing Director
[email protected] | 314.801.0416
For Immediate Release
Thousands of St. Louis Area residents came together to celebrate
25 years of Walk, awareness and support.
Nearly 6,000 residents from St. Louis joined the
Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s® to unite in a movement to reclaim the
future for millions. On Saturday, Sept. 6 at Scottrade Center participants raised more than
$619,000 for Alzheimer's Association care, support and research programs.
“The families and local businesses that united to fight back against this disease were a powerful
display of the support we have in the St. Louis community,” said President/CEO of the
Alzheimer’s Association St. Louis Chapter. “The funds raised from the Walk will support those
affected by the disease and critically needed Alzheimer’s research.”
Melinda’s Memory Warriors was the top fundraising team at this year’s St. Louis Walk to End
Alzheimer’s, raising more than $22,000. Bruce Friedman formed his team in honor of his wife,
Melinda. In 2010, at the age of 54, Melinda, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's
disease. Friedman, a practicing attorney and raising two children by himself, asked his
colleagues, friends and family to come together to raise awareness for the disease.
“I formed this team to honor my wife who is battling this fatal disease that presently has no
treatment or cure, but also to raise awareness, particularly its impact on younger families, and to
dispel misunderstandings,” said Friedman.
“I also want to show the need to increase funding for research and hopefully someday to find a
treatment or cure, so that future generations will not suffer the same fate,” added Freidman.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants did more than complete the Walk. They learned about
Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy
opportunities and to support programs and services to clinical trials. The event also included an
emotional tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s.
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St. Louis Blues’ TJ Oshie, Honorary Chairperson, and his father, Tim, opened the ceremony with
their story of determination to end this disease. Tim was diagnosed just over a year ago with
early-onset Alzheimer’s. Following Oshie and his father’s emotional testimony, participants
heard from KSDK’s Art Holliday about his journey with his mother’s battle against Alzheimer’s.
To close the event, Y98’s Guy Phillips and his family took the stage to share their story. Phillips’
father-in-law is battling the disease. Phillips told participants to “eat dessert first” because life is
too short.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As
baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly
escalate, tripling from today’s more than 5 million Americans to as many as 16 million by 2050.
In Missouri alone, there are over 110,000 people living with Alzheimer’s. For more information
or to make a donation, visit alz.org/stl/walk.
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise
awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s
Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk; now
the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Together, we can End Alzheimer’s – the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. Walk with us.
Everyone has a reason to end Alzheimer’s.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world leader in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
The St. Louis Chapter serves 38 counties in eastern Missouri and western Illinois, providing
comprehensive care and support programs. The Alzheimer’s Association mission is to eliminate
Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and
support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain
health. For additional information about the disease, family support or research, visit the
Alzheimer's Association St. Louis Chapter web site at www.alz.org/stl, or call the 24/7 Helpline
at 800.272.3900.
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