The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has announced that Adam Mayfield, financial advisor at Edward Jones, will serve as event chair for the organization’s 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Polk County. Denise Glover will serve as co-chair.

Image/Alzheimer’s Association

“I am honored to be serving with the Alzheimer’s Association to make sure we shine a bright light on this issue,” Mayfield said. “Alzheimer’s, for many, has become an embarrassment or bad word that they don’t want to discuss, even though it has taken the memories and lives of many of those we love and care about. My hope is that we can create conversation and action so we can one day rid the world of this horrible disease.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease—the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. On Walk day, participants will honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease with “promise flowers” during the poignant Promise Garden Ceremony—a moving display of hope to represent the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer’s.

“Events such as Walk to End Alzheimer’s are most successful when they are led and supported by outstanding and passionate volunteers, who believe in our mission to end Alzheimer’s,” said Robyn Liska, vice president of development for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. “We are so fortunate to have Adam and Denise as our 2019 chair and co-chair, and our team looks forward to supporting them and all the volunteers to make this a record event.”

The 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s for Polk County will take place Saturday, Nov. 9, at Joker Merchant Stadium in Lakeland. To join a team or register, visit alz.org/walk.