SALISBURY — The Alzheimer’s Association invites the community to make a difference in the lives of the 100,000 Marylanders living with Alzheimer’s disease by participating in the 2016 Eastern Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s, taking place Saturday, Oct. 8, beginning at 9 a.m., at the MAC Center - Wicomico Senior Services Center (909 Progress Circle) in Salisbury.

“The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the Alzheimer's Association's largest gathering for caregivers, advocates and friends united in the commitment to move our cause forward,” said Cass Naugle, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Maryland Chapter.

Over 700 walkers are expected and volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of roles including greeters, cheer squad members, Kids’ Corner aids, photographers and food court servers.

Walker check-in starts at 9 a.m., when participants can pick up T-shirts, take team photos, decorate posters and honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by placing flowers in the Promise Garden. Following a powerful opening ceremony at 10 a.m. emceed by WMDT-TV Anchor David Caldwell, the 2-mile walk will commence at 10:30 a.m.

Everyone is encouraged to stay afterward to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause. They also can enjoy live music by Billy Earl & The Pink Flamingos, fun and games in the Kids’ Corner, and light refreshments provided by Panera Bread, Pepsi and Starbucks.

Walkers can register as individuals or teams. Registration is free and those who raise at least $100 will receive a Walk to End Alzheimer’s T-shirt. To register, volunteer or donate, visit alz.org/walk. To learn more about the disease and available resources, visit alz.org/maryland or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

“Funds raised at our Walk events help us reach more families impacted by Alzheimer's with resources and caring services,” Naugle added. “They also support research for treating, preventing and, ultimately, eliminating this disease, which is a growing epidemic and the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.”

The Greater Maryland Chapter will host a total of six regional Walk events, made possible by national presenting sponsor, Edward Jones, and the following statewide sponsors: Genesis HealthCare, Brightview Senior Living, Five Star Senior Living/Heartfields-Sommerford, Giant Food, Panera Bread, Pharmasite Research, Staples and UPS. Additional sponsors of the Eastern Shore Walk include Mid-Atlantic Health Care, Inc., Delmarva Media Group and MAC Maintaining Active Citizens.

There are over 5.3 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, and every 66 seconds, someone else in America develops the disease. It is estimated that by 2050 the number of people affected by the disease will quadruple. The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research with a mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, visit alz.org/maryland or call 800-272-3900.