LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Residents across West Central Ohio took steps to fight Alzheimer’s disease during the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Ottawa Metro Park on Saturday morning.
About 180 people participated in the Lima walk, one of 600 taking place across the United States this year. The events raise money for research and new treatments aimed at slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia in their early stages.
Participants walked in memory of loved ones lost to the disease, as well as in support of caregivers and family members impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Organizers said they want people to know they are not alone.
“My history of working in healthcare, I've worked with patients. I've loved patients that have the Alzheimer's disease, and it's just you just fall in love with them, and it's you not only become part of their family, you become part of their whole extended family too. So that's why I walk just as a caregiver, and I just enjoy giving us support,” said Chad Henning, chair of the 2025 Lima Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
“An Alzheimer's diagnosis can be very alienating, and a lot of people just feel like they're doing it on their own, and there might be even some shame or stigma around the disease, but you know, we're here to show you that you're not alone, and we have this community, this village of people who are here to support you," said Danica Knapke, walk manager for Lima’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
The goal of this year’s walk is $38,000. Organizers encourage anyone wishing to help end Alzheimer’s to donate through the event’s website.
