“I create music because it’s FREE medicine. We need to continue to sing for our loved ones suffering from this horrendous disease,” said Kalani Pe‘a.

KAHULUI — The annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s-Maui is shifting to a walk from home celebration on Saturday, Oct. 16, and will feature an online ceremony and silent auction.

“To ensure the safety of our walk participants, volunteers and staff, we are encouraging all Maui residents to participate in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s by walking from home in their community,” said Scott Corderman, event chair. “While the recent Delta variant surge is impacting the way we walk, it doesn’t change the reason we walk.”

This year, the association has gained support from some of Maui’s famous faces: Kalani Pe’a, two-time Grammy Award-winning and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning singer/songwriter, music producer and educator of Maui; along with Chef Lee Anderson, an internationally recognized talent; and Garrett Marrero, founder of Maui Brewing Company, who are all lending their voices to the cause because they have personally experienced the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in their families.

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 11 million family members and friends are caregivers. In the State of Hawaii, nearly 100,000 people are impacted; this includes 28,000 people living with the disease and over 60,000 family caregivers.

“My music is my grandmother’s remedy, and she will always connect with me through my melodies,” said Pe’a.

His maternal grandmother, Lu Kahunani Cristobal, 90, suffers from Alzheimer’s, and his paternal grandparents John and Mary Pe’a of Keaukaha, Hilo, Hawaii passed away from Alzheimer’s.

To provide support services to Maui communities, the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter rapidly transitioned to online and telephone support services and classes for all those affected.

With volunteer support, over 97 classes were provided online, and a monthly virtual Support Group for Maui and Molokai caregivers is ongoing every third Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m. Call (808) 518-6650 to find out more.

“I walk for my mother, and her mother, and my uncle and the Alzheimer’s community at large,” stated Chef Anderson.

“I sit with my mom in her memory care facility and look at all the residents wondering what they were like before the disease took over their minds. They were doctors, lawyers, pilots, army officers, dancers, band directors — the list goes on. They all have a story, and to end this disease would let THEM tell their story.”

Each year, participants of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s hold a flower. Carrying a purple flower means you lost someone to Alzheimer’s, yellow flowers represent people who are caregivers, blue flowers are for people living with the disease and orange flowers show support to the mission of fighting the disease. Every flower shares a story.

“My family has been deeply affected by Alzheimer’s disease. My grandma is currently living with it, and we lost my grandfather to the disease as well,” said Marrero.

“I hope you can support Alzheimer’s Association in finding a cure.”

The association recently added a white flower to their promise garden, which represents Alzheimer’s first survivor, signifying hope for the future.

Join the community in honoring caregivers and loved ones lost, and show your support by registering at act.alz.org/mauiwalk.

An online silent auction is taking place through Oct 10 to benefit the association. Visit 32auctions.com/mauiwalk to participate.

This year, to enhance the walk from home experience, the updated Walk to End Alzheimer’s mobile app creates an opportunity for the community to connect.

On walk day, participants can track their Walk From Home and watch prerecorded Opening and Promise Garden Ceremonies.

In addition, you can access the Promise Garden to select and personalize a flower representing your connection to the disease and plant it among others.

To register and receive the latest updates on Walk to End Alzheimers, visit https://bit.ly/3CTl7Me.