The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Chippewa Valley
residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to
End Alzheimer’s ® on September 25, 2021 at UWEC- Zorn Arena, 121 Garfield Ave, Eau Claire. The
event opens at 8:30 a.m. with the Opening Ceremony at 9:45 a.m. immediately followed by the Walk at
10:00 a.m.
The Walk is co-chaired by Melissa Seyffer, Senior Account Manager at M3 Insurance and Cherylin
Yealey, Director of Community Relations at Heritage Senior Living. “We’re so excited to be joining
together this year as a Walk community,” said Seyffer. “The need is stronger than ever to support all
those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. With the dollars raised, the Alzheimer’s Association
can continue to provide care and support to families on this difficult journey, while also advancing
critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention.”
On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden
ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease.
The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their
personal reasons to end the disease. We’re also excited to announce the Memorial High School dance
team will greet walkers at the thank you brigade at the end of the walk.
We are also excited to share that Matt Lepay, and Paul Braun, two of the most recognized voices in
Wisconsin sports, are teaming up as Honorary Co-Chairs of the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
supporting all Wisconsin Walks. These acclaimed broadcasters each have had family members impacted
by Alzheimer’s and are leading the “Sportscasters Against Alzheimer’s” team. Lepay is the current
voice of Wisconsin Badgers sports doing play-by-play for Badgers’ football and basketball and Braun is
the former voice of Badger’s men’s hockey.
While plans are moving forward to host the Chippewa Valley Walk in person, the health and safety of
participants, staff and volunteers remain the top priorities. The Chippewa Valley Walk will implement
safety protocols including physical distancing, masks (where required), contactless registration, hand
sanitizing stations and more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local
guidelines will be adhered to ensure Walk events are safe for attendees. Options will be offered to
participate online and in local neighborhoods.