OLEAN — Sandy Keough, a retired educator, and Jessica Kramer, a social worker at Absolut Care of Allegany, will return as co-chairs of the 2025 Southern Tier 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 programs. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the Southern Tier will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Jamestown Community College Cattaraugus County Campus in downtown Olean.

“I look forward, once again, to working with the Western New York Chapter on the Walk,” said Keough, who walks in loving memory of her dad and all her family and friends who have suffered from any type of dementia. “I am forever grateful to the work the Association does on behalf of those with dementia and for their loved ones who walk for them.”

Also honored to return to the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the Southern Tier, Kramer said she initially joined the committee in memory of her grandfather, Oliver Nicholas, a well-known businessman in Olean.

“Today, I walk in memory of him as well as for the thousands who are directly impacted by this debilitating disease,” she said. “One day we will find the cure, and until then we will continue to raise awareness, walk proudly and fight against Alzheimer’s. We hope you can join us in September!”

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” explained Kaitlyn Less, director of development for the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “We hope everyone in the community can join us by starting a team to help raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease, as well as funding research toward treatments that will finally end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, nearly 12 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In New York state, more than 426,500 people are living with the disease, and there are 656,000 caregivers.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/WNYwalk.