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The colorful flowers twirling in the wind is always a sight to behold at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

The promise garden has become a hallmark of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Participants take flowers that represent their connection to the disease: blue for those who have Alzheimer’s; yellow for family members or caregivers of someone with Alzheimer’s; purple for those who have lost someone to the disease; and orange for advocates who support a world without Alzheimer’s.

The goal eventually is to see white flowers in the garden, which will be planted by survivors. And there are plenty of treatment advances on the horizon that give people hope, supporters said at last weekend’s Western Tidewater Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

It would be difficult to overstate the devastation that happens to families who face Alzheimer’s. Some caregivers face a mountain of difficulties, ranging from financial stress to the pain of seeing their loved one succumb over a period of years to the various effects of the disease.

But the Walk to End Alzheimer’s doesn’t hope just to end Alzheimer’s, although that is the main goal. It also supports those with Alzheimer’s and their families and caregivers along the way with respite care, a 24/7 hotline and more.

The 24-hour helpline for caregivers is 1-800-272-3900. People can find help through the Southeastern Virginia chapter at alz.org/seva.

We laud this important group for all they are doing in our community.