Every year, The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services works with local families and friends providing care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the Charleston area. The ARK is working to raise awareness and funds with its fourth annual Ugly Sweater 5K dash and one-mile stroll in historic downtown Summerville on Dec.11. To kick-off the holiday season, runners and walkers are invited to wear their most festive holiday sweater. All race proceeds fund programs such as memory screenings, resource fairs, educational workshops, and support groups in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties plus respite centers in Harleyville and Summerville.

“According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. It is a degenerative disease of the brain that affects memory, awareness, social conversation, and speech. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or related dementia is extremely demanding,” said Peg Lahmeyer, The ARK’s executive director. “The ARK’s programs and resources are more critical than ever, and we are committed to making sure no one faces this disease alone. Our hope is that our community comes out to enjoy a fun event while supporting those that need it most.”

All race proceeds will benefit The ARK’s comprehensive support services for families living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. More South Carolinians die from Alzheimer’s disease than in any other state. The average mortality rate for the nation is 37 per 100,000 population, in South Carolina it is 45.1 (2021 Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures report).

On Dec. 11, the 5K will begin at 8:45 a.m. and the one-mile stroll kicks off at 9:45 a.m. at 206 Central Ave.  Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female runners.

Register online by Dec. 9 at 5:59 p.m. and pay $35 for the 5K run/walk and $10 for the one-mile stroll or $30 for a group of four. Drive through registration and packet pickup will be on Dec. 10 from noon to 6 p.m. at 502 West 5th North Street, Summerville (corner of Hwy 78 and Hickory Street). The ARK will continue to closely monitor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local guidelines and adjust the event-day safety protocols as needed.

Learn more and register for the Race for The ARK at www.TheARKofSC.org. For more information regarding sponsorship levels, contact Megan Severn at [email protected].

ABOUT THE ARK, ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Based in Summerville, The ARK is a local nonsectarian nonprofit outreach program providing hope and relief to families living with Alzheimer’s Disease or a Related Dementia (ADRD). Support services include social respite care, support groups, education, caregiver consultations, resource referrals and community development. For more information, call 843-471-1360 or visit thearkofsc.org.