LEWISTON — The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting residents of the greater Lewiston-Auburn area to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

The event will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Simard-Payne Memorial Park. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m.

The walk is an experience for hundreds of participants to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities and clinical trial enrollment to support programs and services. Walk participants will also join in a meaningful ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Linda Laskey, a native Mainer who established Poland’s first food bank after a successful teaching career in the Poland schools, will speak at the opening ceremony.

She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago, a disease that her mother also had. Despite this, Laskey is determined not to surrender to her illness. Instead, she strives to help those also confronted by dementia. And she does this through her growing association with the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter.

“I want to help others,” she says. “I know what it is like to have a mother who doesn’t know you, I want to be there for families who are dealing with Alzheimer’s, I want to give them some hope.”

To start or join a team today, visit www.alz.org/walk. To learn more about disease and available resources, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7, toll-free helpline at 800-272-3900.