Walkers, runners to gather in Oxnard to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease

Brian J. Varela, Ventura County Star
·1 min read
1
Participants in the 2019 West Ventura County Walk to End Alzheimer’s make their way toward the finish line as bystanders applaud. This year's event is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday at The Collection in Oxnard.
Participants in the 2019 West Ventura County Walk to End Alzheimer’s make their way toward the finish line as bystanders applaud. This year's event is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday at The Collection in Oxnard.

About 500 to 600 residents from around Ventura County are expected to gather in Oxnard this weekend to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter is hosting its annual West Ventura County Walk to End Alzheimer’s at The Collection on Saturday at 9 a.m.

Attendees can walk or run the 1.2-mile loop, which begins in front of Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen and extends through the Riverpark neighborhood.

“It’s a place of healing and honoring the loved ones lost to the disease,” said Pedro Chavez, chair of the West Ventura County Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Participants can register on the organization’s website or in person before the start of the event. Another walk is planned for Oct. 22 at the Promenade at Westlake.

Related: 

Bridge players asked to put down laptops, join in-person games

Dementia care workers shortage further strains families

About 20 booths will be present Saturday to educate the public on Alzheimer's, a disease that targets the individual's memory and mental functions. They’ll also provide information to individuals with the disease and their families about help available in the county.

The organization hopes to raise $140,000 during the event. As of Monday, donations exceeded $96,000. About 375 participants raised over $123,000 at last year's walk.

More Oxnard news: 15-year-old arrested in connection with fatal shooting of teenager

Chavez said 80% of donations will fund programs, such as support groups and educational workshops; 10% will go toward Alzheimer's research; and the remaining 10% will cover administrative costs.

Those suffering from Alzheimer’s and their families are encouraged to call the 24-hour hotline at 800-272-3900 for help and information. The hotline is free and open to English and Spanish speakers.

Brian J. Varela covers Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo. He can be reached at brian.varela@vcstar.com or 805-477-8014. You can also find him on Twitter @BrianVarela805.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Walk to End Alzheimer's in Ventura County set for Saturday