Episode Details

Becky Carlson has spent 13 years chairing the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Galesburg — a cause she took on after losing her mother to the disease. Joan Whitney has been involved even longer, since 1992, when her employer at the time was a national sponsor. The two joined Galesburg's Morning News Thursday, Sept. 24, to preview Saturday's walk at Lake Storey Park, from warning signs families should watch for to the event's Promise Garden ceremony. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at Lake Storey Park, with the Promise Garden ceremony at 9 and the walk starting around 9:30. This year's route heads east from the picnic shelters, offering a half-mile or one-mile option. The event is free, wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with leashed pets welcome, and participants aren't required to complete the route — seating is available under the shelters. Registration is available in advance at alz.org/walk or in person at the park Saturday morning. They talked about: The difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, and the warning signs families should know Their personal connections to the cause, and how they each got involved New research, including two FDA-approved treatments and a blood test for earlier detection What the Promise Garden ceremony means, and the significance behind each flower color How the Galesburg walk has grown since its first year   Related story: Walk to End Alzheimer's returns to Lake Storey Park with new route Saturday 🎧 Subscribe to Galesburg's Morning News: Apple Podcasts | Spotify