KEWAUNEE – Students at Kewaunee High School, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, are inviting are residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Community Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Kewaunee on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Kewaunee High School Track.

“What makes this event especially meaningful is the leadership and compassion being demonstrated by two Kewaunee High School students, Blake Bortolini and Blake Temme, who are turning a personal loss into a powerful opportunity to make a difference. Inspired by the memory of Glenn Teske, the grandfather of student organizer Blake Bortolini, who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease earlier this summer, the students are bringing their school and community together to raise awareness and support the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Their willingness to share Glenn’s story and take action at such a young age is a testament to the profound impact this disease has on families across generations. Through their efforts, they are not only honoring Glenn’s legacy but also inspiring their peers to join the movement to end Alzheimer’s and dementia and provide hope for the millions of individuals and families affected by the disease,” said Cari Josephson, director, Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. With new treatments and proven lifestyle habits that support brain health, there is real hope,” said Suzanne Koss, former teacher and co-chair for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Green Bay. “Together, we can build a brain‑healthy future and help end this disease. We invite everyone to join us by forming a team to raise awareness and funds for families facing Alzheimer’s today.”

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. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, with each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

More than seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease — a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, nearly 13 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. In Wisconsin, there are more than 110,000 people living with the disease and over 500 of them live here in Kewaunee County. That is over 10% of the Kewaunee County population age 65+.

To register for the Community Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Kewaunee, visit bit.ly/WTEAKewaunee2026.

About the 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.

About the Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead 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. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.