New York City – CaringKind, the nonprofit that supports people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, is launching its national “Know Your Brain: Walk With Me” campaign with veteran ABC7 anchor Bill Ritter as the public face. Ritter, who publicly shared his own Alzheimer’s diagnosis, will lead the organization’s 38th annual Alzheimer’s Walk & Brain Health Day in Central Park on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Local event aims to spark early action
The walk, expected to draw thousands, will feature free brain‑health prescreenings, education on the 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, and practical lifestyle tips. Organizers say the screenings are designed to encourage proactive conversations with healthcare providers and help individuals determine whether further evaluation is needed.
“I’m very excited for Brain Health Day and this entire campaign,” Ritter said. “When I shared my diagnosis, I made a commitment to use my voice for something bigger than myself. I want people to know that brain health deserves our attention long before symptoms appear. Get screened, learn what you can do today to help reduce your risk, and have the conversations that matter.”
Partnerships expand reach
CaringKind will also host a 92Y event on Sept. 30 and provide a national livestream of the Central Park walk, allowing families, caregivers, and health professionals across the country to join the conversation. The organization hopes the broader exposure will help families everywhere find trusted guidance, education, and support.
Eleonora Tornatore‑Mikesh, President and CEO of CaringKind, emphasized the campaign’s focus on knowledge and choice: “Brain health deserves the same attention we give every other aspect of our health. Through this campaign, Bill Ritter, ABC7 and CaringKind are encouraging people to start the conversation earlier, take steps to support long‑term brain health, and know there is a trusted place to turn if questions or concerns arise.”
Funds support vital services
All proceeds from the walk will fund CaringKind’s free programs, including dementia‑care consultations, support groups, educational workshops, early‑stage engagement services, caregiver assistance, and multilingual resources that help families navigate Alzheimer’s from diagnosis through end of life. Registration for the walk and livestream is free and open to the public via CKWalk.org.
The campaign reflects a growing national focus on brain health, urging individuals to act early, reduce stigma, and ensure that advances in research and treatment reach every family, not just those with existing access.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
