David Hyde Pierce and ABC7NY's Mike Marza will emcee the October 17 Central Park event honoring Ritter and Jed Levine, featuring free brain health pre-screenings and experiences for people living with dementia and care partners

NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- After 28 years helping emcee CaringKind's Alzheimer's Walk, ABC and Eyewitness News journalist and longtime anchor Bill Ritter is inviting New Yorkers to join him as someone living with the disease and helping lead CaringKind's "Know Your Brain. Walk With Me." campaign. The 38th Annual CaringKind Alzheimer's Walk and Brain Health Day will take place Saturday, October 17, at Central Park's Naumburg Bandshell, honoring Ritter and Jed Levine. The national public-awareness campaign was created by CaringKind, with launch support from ABC7NY.

Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Participation is free. Register at CKWALK.ORG to join in Central Park or walk virtually.

"It's been my honor over the last 28 years to help emcee the CaringKind Walk to fight Alzheimer's. And now, it is me who has Alzheimer's," said Ritter. "The spirit and history of CaringKind have now propelled me to become more than an emcee. Thanks to all of you, and millions of others, who have called, emailed, sent letters and stopped on the street to talk about Alzheimer's and how you can help. My quest is to help CaringKind, along with ABC7 Eyewitness News, the TV station where I work, to bring people together and to battle Alzheimer's. For those who have it. For those who will get it. And for those who take care of the patients. It's time to stop dividing. And time to start bringing us together. Onward."

The campaign extends beyond the park through Dream Outdoor's TSX billboard in Times Square. ABC7NY also plans an October 15 special bringing the conversation about Alzheimer's and brain health to viewers ahead of Walk Day. "We are turning awareness into ongoing action this year while standing alongside people living with dementia and their care partners," said Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, President and CEO of CaringKind. "Know Your Brain is now our campaign to advance early detection and brain health. CaringKind is proud to launch this campaign by doing brain health pre-screenings at a designated tent at our walk and through our website at ckbrainhealth.org. Catching changes early and doing regular brain checks need to become our frontline of defense as new discoveries on dementia treatments and risk reduction are emerging every day."

Jed Levine, CaringKind's President Emeritus and Director of External Relations, will be honored for his service since 1990. He helped pioneer an early-stage support group that grew into the Weinberg Early-Stage Center and developed outreach to diverse communities across New York City.

"It is very special to be honored at the 2026 CaringKind Walk and Brain Health Day. It has been a privilege to work with the outstanding staff, volunteers, and the thousands of families we have served," said Levine. "Even with new diagnostic tools and effective new treatments, the work of CaringKind is critical to help individuals living with dementia and their families navigate this journey with compassion, knowledge and kindness."

"Central Park will become an interactive brain health experience where people can engage with experts, explore practical resources and take informed steps to support their brain health," states Tornatore-Mikesh. CaringKind's team, along with volunteers from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing will be in the pre-screening tent to answer questions and help people access the BrainGuide pre-screening tool, powered by UsAgainstAlzheimer's. Brain health coaches from BetterBrain will help participants start a personalized brain health plan, and Dr. Marc Rothman of Lizzy Care will be nearby for anyone who would like to speak with a physician about next steps. A pre-screening does not provide a diagnosis or replace medical evaluation. Everything offered in the tent is free. People who cannot attend in person can complete the brain check and start their plan through CaringKind's Know Your Brain page.

Besides walking, participants can have their hearing, vision, gait and blood pressure checked, explore nutrition and enjoy hands-on activities. Lilly's tent will feature Planet Harvest boxes of fresh, wholesome foods, while Eisai's Healthy Well Being Station will offer produce and nutrition tips highlighting Magnolia Meals at Home^®. Axsome will offer gentle stretching and aromatherapy, RiverSpring Living will engage the five senses, and The 80th Street Residence Enhanced Memory Care will invite participants to create lavender sachets. People living with memory loss can connect with peers in the Dream Lounge, inspired by CaringKind's Early-Stage Center and supported by The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights and Duet Care at Home.

Funds raised support CaringKind's free, year-round care consultations, support groups, education workshops, early-stage and engagement programs and care partner resources. To register, start a team or donate, visit CKWALK.ORG. For guidance on memory concerns or dementia support, call the free, confidential Helpline at 646-744-2900.

About CaringKind

CaringKind is your trusted partner in Alzheimer's and dementia care, from diagnosis through end of life. Through free care consultations, education, support groups, early-stage engagement, community programs, and caregiver resources, CaringKind empowers individuals and families with the knowledge, guidance, and support they need so that no one has to face dementia alone. Visit wearecaringkind.org.

Media Contact

Courtney Dawson, Chief Marketing Officer
cdawson@wearecaringkind.org
646-744-2932

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SOURCE CaringKind