Oct. 16, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Patrick Chambers, head coach of the Penn State men's basketball team, will speak at the opening ceremony and, along with members of the basketball program, participate in the The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's Saturday, Oct. 19 in Boalsburg, Pa. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. with festivities beginning at 9:45 a.m. and the walk starting at 10 a.m.
The annual event, held in more than 600 communities nationwide, raises funds and awareness for Alzheimer's disease, which is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and a cause close to Chambers' heart.
John "Rube" Chambers, the father of Patrick Chambers, passed away June 11, 2012 after a long battle with the disease. Chambers and his wife Courtney started "Team Rube" last summer and will participate in the walk for the second-consecutive year.
"This clearly is a cause which hits very close to home," Chambers said. "My father was a truly tremendous man and in his memory, my wife and I pledge a continued commitment to raising funds for research and to bringing awareness of this terrible disease."
According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 5 million Americans are currently living with the disease with the number expected to rise to 7.1 million by 2025 and 13.8 million by 2050, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or stop Alzheimer's.
All funds raised from the Walk to End Alzheimer's Saturday will go directly to supporting the association's efforts.
For all the latest information, notes, pictures and related links on Penn State basketball follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@PennStateMBB), as well as Facebook. Additional information can be gleaned from Associate Athletic Communications Director Alissa Clendenen on Twitter (@GoPSUAlissaC).