North Andover Resident Named Leader for Alzheimer’s Walk

The Alzheimer’s Association announced that the 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place at 100 Brickstone Square in Andover on Sunday, Oct. 2, with leadership from  local volunteers.

Cherl Treacy of North Andover has been tapped by the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter as regional leader of the Northeastern Massachusetts Walk To End Alzheimer’s.

“We expect more than 3,000 participants in Andover and Cheryl and her team are already organizing to make it a powerful experience,” said James Wessler, President/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter.

Treacy, who lost her mother to Alzheimer’s last April at the age of 72, has been involved with the walk for seven years.  “We support the Alzheimer’s Association because they helped us through the maze that all caregivers must go through when dealing with this disease as well as to raise funds for research in the hope that a cure will be discovered,” said Treacy.

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. The disease has a significant impact on family members, with nearly 15 million providing care to a loved one, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 2. The walk, with new and improved 1-mile and 3-mile route options, begins at 9:30 a.m.  There will also be a special tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s.

“There has never been a greater need to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Wessler.  “Funds raised will provide care and support services to the people of Massachusetts affected by Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to advancing critically-needed research.”

First Lady Diane Patrick and U.S. Representative Edward Markey are serving as honorary chairs of the Walk which is being held at 12 locations throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. To learn more or to sign-up to participate, call 800-272-3900 or visit www.alzwalkMANH.org.