A year before my sister passed in 2017, I started the Washburn Challenge, an Alzheimer's "Longest Day" event.  My sister and I grew up on Waquoit Bay in the summers and I thought getting family and friends together for a bike ride on one of the most beautiful coast lines and a kayak around Washburn Island, one of the most beautiful state parks on Cape Cod would be a wonderful way to honor my sister, share a great experience with family and friends, while creating awareness and raising money for a disease that is truly an epidemic. 

I never thought that the Washburn Challenge would turn into one of the largest fundraisers in the country for the Longest Day or that I would be as involved in the Alzheimer's Association as I am today.

The Washburn Challenge is completely funded by sponsors. Unlike other fundraisers,100% of what the Washburn Challenge raises goes to the mission of the Alzheimer's Association. If you are looking for the single best way to kick-off the summer, join the fight and participate and help to fundraise to END ALZ.

I care about this cause so deeply because I know personally and professionally what this disease does to families.  Cognitive decline and Alzheimer's, for most of us is our biggest fear. My increased involvement with the Alzheimer's Association since my sister's diagnosis, my experience as a board member here in New England, my participation in the Alzheimer's Advocacy Forum in Washington DC have all absolutely convinced me that the Alzheimer's Association will have more to do with the first person to survive Alzheimer's than any other organization.  

Thank you for joining the fight to END ALZ. Stu McLeod

Alzheimer's Association Facts:

- The Alzheimer's Association funding for research is only greater from the government's of the United States and China.

- The Alzheimer's coordination of advocacy nationally has resulted in NIH funding going from $440M (where is was for nearly a decade) to $3.5B in 2022

- That same advocacy on the legislative level is also at the forefront of making meaningful change for the better and earlier diagnosis, more effective and humane care and availability of benefits for early onset patients.

- Only the Alzheimer's Association provides the support, care and community for patients, families and care-givers to the extent they do.

Help me support the many families facing this awful disease, as well as the mission of the Alzheimer's Association in honor of all those we have loved and lost. Thank you.