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May 13, 2021 – Mike Sarasti, chief information officer for the City of Miami Department of Information Technology, and Oscar Alvarez, vice president business relationship manager at TD Bank have joined the Alzheimer’s Association as the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s event chair in Miami.
 
 
Mike Sarasti
 
 
Oscar Alvarez
 
Alvarez, referencing the symbolic white “promise flower” displayed at Walk to End Alzheimer’s to represent the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease, shared: “I walk so that one day the white flower becomes a reality instead of a dream. I have had family and friends suffer and die from this awful disease and I will not stop until a cure is found.”]
 
Likewise, for Sarasti, the decision to participate in Walk to End Alzheimer’s was one based on personal experience with the disease.
 
“I walk to honor my mother Ana, an incredible force of joy, service and strength,” Sarasti said. “The Alzheimer’s Association helped me find answers and community through incredibly difficult times. Today, I’m excited to create awareness, support a cure and share the Association’s incredible resources with so many others in need.”
 
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 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. The Association is moving forward with plans to host the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in person this fall. 
 
“The health and safety of participants, volunteers and staff remain our top priorities as we continue to monitor the pandemic and make decisions about event details in our community,” said Monique Stephens, director of the Miami-Dade Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “While we’re planning to gather in person, we will continue to offer options to participate in Walk online and in your neighborhood. 
 
“Families facing Alzheimer’s and all other dementia need us now more than ever – and with your support, we can continue to be there for them,” Stephens added. “Every dollar you raise through Walk to End Alzheimer’s allows the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research.”
 
The Miami-Dade Walk to End Alzheimer’s is set for Saturday, Nov. 20. For general information about Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk. 
 
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
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. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s. 
 
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.