When I started working at the Alzheimer's Association in November 2019, I hadn't been impacted by Alzheimer's or dementia personally. Certainly, I knew they existed, but I remember being startled when I learned that at that time there were more than 5 million people living with the disease in the US alone. That number is now more than 6 million, and more than 410,000 right here in NY alone who are supported by more than 1 million caregivers.

In my time at the Association I've met so many people whose lives have been affected by this disease. Whether they're caring for someone in a personal or professional setting, have lost someone to the disease, or are living with it themselves. It's devastating how rare it is to find someone who hasn't been impacted.

So I Walk for all of you, in honor and in memory of your loved ones. Because I truly believe that together, we will someday see the white flower at the Walk to End Alzheimer's, signifying the first survivor.

If you are able to donate, even if it's $5, your donation allows us to continue to provide care, support, and education in our communities, while accelerating research to fulfill our vision of a world with Alzheimer's disease and all other dementia.

Together, we can #ENDALZ!