Walk to help worthy WNY causes this September

Press Releases

HDSA Team Hope Walk

The Northeast Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will host The Team Hope Walk – Buffalo on Sunday, Sept. 15, at Ronald J Pilozzi Pavilion in Niawanda Park, 600 Niagara St., Tonawanda. Registration starts at noon, with the event at 1 p.m. All proceeds support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD) and their families. 

Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event, which takes place in over 100 cities across the U.S. and has raised more than $28 million for HD since its inception in 2007. Thousands of families, friends, co-workers, neighbors and communities walk together each year to support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families.

For more information about the event, contact Andrew Stammworthy at [email protected], Online registration and donation information can be found HERE. HDSA's Team Hope Walk Program is nationally sponsored by Neurocrine Biosciences and Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years. There is no cure. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of HD are described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families. To learn more, visit www.hdsa.org or call (800)345-HDSA.

Sister Terri Miklitsch (Submitted photo)

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Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting people to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Reservoir State Park in Niagara Falls. Registration opens at 10 a.m., with the walk commencing at 11 a.m.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Kaitlyn Less, director of development for the Western New York Chapter. “We hope that everyone in the community can join us to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally end this disease.”

The walk is personal for Sister Terri Miklitsch, OSF, of the Sisters of St. Francis at Stella Niagara.

“I walk to honor my mother, Catherine Berry Miklitsch, and my sister, Catherine Marie Miklitsch,” she said. “I also walk to honor the Sisters of St. Francis, many of whom, like my mother and sister, have suffered with or died from Alzheimer’s disease. Walking is a healing and empowering experience on this grief journey and journey of hope. Walking is advocacy and action to support individuals and families, programs and research.”

On walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony – a mission-focused experience that signifies a solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the U.S. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In New York, there are more than 426,5000 people living with the disease and 543,000 caregivers.

The funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s ensure the programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association are free to all who need them, in addition to funding the research and advocacy efforts which have resulted in new treatments for people living in the early stage.

To register or receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s for Niagara County, visit act.alz.org/Niagara.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

Metro Creative Graphics

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Walk for Apraxia

The Western New York Walk for Apraxia event will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, at Cheektowaga Town Park to benefit children with apraxia of speech (CAS). The event begins at 10 a.m. with a ceremony set for 11 a.m. Registration is free.

Childhood apraxia of speech is a rare motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for an individual to speak. Treatment includes intense speech therapy and sometimes other therapies to help an individual reach their highest communication ability. There is no cure.

Raising awareness is one of the most tangible ways that communities at large can help children with apraxia thrive. Increased collective awareness means that children will be diagnosed faster, resulting in better, earlier intervention.

The Walk for Apraxia is the largest community event that celebrates the hard work of apraxia stars, children who are diagnosed with CAS. The day includes family-friendly activities, a ceremony, and a short, inclusive group walk to raise awareness. 

Neil Kilby, father of an Apraxia star, said, “Apraxia stars need a team behind them. That team includes both parents, family members, SLPs and organizations like Apraxia Kids.”

The funds raised through the 2024 Walk for Apraxia benefit Apraxia Kids, the leading nonprofit that works to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with childhood apraxia of speech. This organization educates both families and speech-language professionals so that children with CAS can reach their highest communication potential through accurate diagnosis and appropriate, timely treatment. For more information, visit https://www.apraxia-kids.org/walk-for-apraxia-splash-page/.