Twelve Oaks and Mountain Valley Hospice are teaming up and asking area residents to participate in the first-ever Mount Airy Alzheimer’s Walk which is slated for Oct. 6 at Riverside Park Greenway.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Although there is no registration fee for this event, all walkers are encouraged to make a personal donation and raise money for the cause. Those who raise $20 or more will receive a 2012 Mount Airy Alzheimer’s Walk T-shirt.

According to Allison Hemrick, community outreach specialist with Mountain Valley Hospice, sponsorship letters will go out next week. She said the letters will solicit businesses and individuals for donations, to start walking teams or for both.

Funds raised will go to the Western North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association (WNCCAA) that serves Surry County. The chapter provides patient and family services, information and referrals, a 24-hour helpline, support groups, educational programs and advocacy.

“There has never been a greater need for the citizens of Mount Airy, Surry County and surrounding communities to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in the Mount Airy Alzheimer’s Walk,”said Hemrick.

She said every 68 seconds in America, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She said according to statistics from the WNCCAA, by mid-century it is predicted that someone will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s every 33 seconds.

“It’s the sixth leading cause of death. It’s the only disease in the top 10 causes of death that is not treatable, curable or that is not able to be slowed,” said Hemrick.

She said even though this is a first-time event, she is hoping for a big turnout.

Lori Walker, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Western North Carolina chapter, said, “As many as 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and the funds raised will provide support services to over 170,000 residents of North Carolina living with Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to critically needed research.”

Mount Airy’s Walk will give participants an opportunity to take action by raising funds to fight Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to the walk, participants will enjoy music, entertainment, food, vendors and activities.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected by the disease; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

To sign up for the walk or to be a vendor, call Allison Hemrick at 789-2922 or go to www.alz.org/northcarolina.

For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24-hour helpline at 800-272-3900.