This past Saturday, September 18th, I was honored to be the Master of Ceremonies for  the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's at Hickory Park in Owego. People from all over the Southern Tier showed up on a beautiful day to honor loved ones in one way or another.

99.1 The Whale logo
Get our free mobile app

The ceremony comes to an end with a two mile walk in the park but for many the highlight of the day involves the placing of their flowers in the Promise Garden before they leave for the day.

When the participants arrive at the event, they grab a Promise Garden Flower and personalize it to their connection with Alzheimer's. The color of the flower represents something different.

The colors of the Promise Garden Flowers are introduced one at a time. When the color is announced, the participants that are holding that particular flower hold it up high.

The Meaning Behind The Different Colors Of The Promise Garden Flowers

Orange Flower - You support the cause and the Alzheimer's Association's vision of a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

Walk to End Alzheimer's
Walk to End Alzheimer's
loading...

Purple Flower - You are participating in the Walk because you've lost someone to Alzheimer's or another dementia.

Walk to End Alzheimer's
Walk to End Alzheimer's
loading...

Yellow Flower - You are supporting or caring for someone that is living with Alzheimer's

Walk to End Alzheimer's
Walk to End Alzheimer's
loading...

Blue Flower - You are living with Alzheimer's or another dementia.

Walk to End Alzheimer's
Walk to End Alzheimer's
loading...

White Flower - One person will hold a white flower to represent the first survivor of Alzheimer's.

At the end, I asked everyone to hold their respective flower high in the air then we begin the countdown to begin the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's doesn't discriminate and we've all been affected by it in one way or another...or we soon will be. I was honored to be asked to be a part of this and I'm looking forward in participating again next year.

Where there's a walk, there's a way. Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease and you can find out more about the Alzheimer's Association here.

How the Alzheimer's Association Can Support Caregivers

November is both National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Caregiver Month, so here's an overview of the resources and support available to families and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients

Living with Alzheimer's Disease and Supporting Brain Health

More From 99.1 The Whale