WHEELING — On Sept. 27, the Alzheimer’s Association will host its annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” with a major change to allow for a safe event.

While in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alzheimer’s Association, along with its local partners and committee members in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, has been considering a way for all teams and walkers to take part while also obeying social distancing.

According to a release from media contact Tate Blanchard, rather than coming together for a traditional large gathering as in years past, participants are asked to hold their own events.

“The world may look a little different right now, but one thing hasn’t changed: our commitment to ending Alzheimer’s. This year Walk to End Alzheimer’s is everywhere — on every sidewalk, track and trail. The health and safety of all participants is our top priority. We won’t have a large in-person gathering,” Blanchard said.

“Instead, we invite everyone to walk in small teams of friends and family while others in your community do the same, because we are all still walking and fundraising for the same thing: a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia,” he said.

He said the local planning committee for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Northern Panhandle hopes to raise $56,000 that will go back to the Alzheimer’s Association and continue to fund groundbreaking research to find a cure.

“By getting involved in Walk to End Alzheimer’s Northern Panhandle, you are helping to raise awareness and getting the word out about the incredible work that is being done to develop a cure for a disease,” Blanchard he said. “As of now, a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease does not exist, but with the help of the people all throughout the Upper Ohio Valley, we can one day find a cure.”

To get involved in the walk or to donate to the cause, visit act.alz.org.

The planning committee also recognizes sponsors for their involvement with this event. These are Continuing Healthcare of Shadyside, Peterson Healthcare & Rehabilitation, First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Princeton Health Care Center, Village Caregiving, Edward Jones, and CVS Health.

Alzheimer’s Disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, with 5.8 million Americans currently living with the disease.