Cherokee Nation leads Walk to End Alzheimer’s

TULSA, Okla. - Cherokee Nation and its businesses joined community members in a Walk to End Alzheimer's - Tulsa on Saturday, raising funds and awareness to find a cure for the disease.

"Cherokees value community and an understanding that we share in our neighbor's burden," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "Alzheimer's afflicts both patients and their support network. Our tribal government, our businesses and our employees marched to show we share their load and support a cure to end this debilitating disease."

Several thousand participants marched through downtown Tulsa in this year's event with a fundraising goal of $923,000. Cherokee Nation Businesses' team raised more than $42,000, outraising the organization's $25,000 goal in employee contributions by 170%. The team contributions do not include an additional $25,000 company contribution.

Cherokee Nation Businesses ranked among the top 50 Alzheimer's Association fundraising teams in the nation.

"Our company is deeply committed to ending Alzheimer's and bringing hope to the families affected by it," said Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. "Alzheimer's and other dementias are an invisible disability that afflicts a third of Native American elders, as well as their families. Our mission is to let those affected by Alzheimer's know they are seen, and we support them."

According to the association, more than 70,000 Oklahomans over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer's disease and more than 108,000 friends and family members provide unpaid care for their loved ones each year. Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, while more than 11 million people provide unpaid care.

"We are grateful for Cherokee Nation's continued support of the Alzheimer's Association and the Walk to End Alzheimer's," said Sandi Pellow, executive director for the Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma Chapter. "Our partnership is vital in our work to support all Oklahomans impacted by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia."

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Through its vision of a world without Alzheimer's, the nonprofit organization aims to eliminate the disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

To learn more about the Alzheimer's Association, please visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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