As most of you know, as a staff member of the Alzheimer’s Association, I work every day to end Alzheimer’s disease.  It’s my job. But more than that, it’s my calling … and it’s PERSONAL.

If you are at all familiar with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, you know that participants raise flowers representing their promise to remember, honor, care, and fight for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.  Through color, these flowers represent the motivations of Walk participants.  When I first became involved with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s about 7 years ago, the flower I raised during the poignant Promise Garden ceremony was orange – a color signifying a person who supports the cause and the vision of world without Alzheimer’s but who does not necessarily have a personal connection to the disease.  I walked for the many families and individuals I saw through my work in the senior care industry who faced the challenges of this dreadful disease each and everyday.  Two years later, I found myself raising a yellow flower.  The motivation to Walk to End Alzheimer’s became personal as I held a flower in support of my very special aunt, Pat, who was battling the dreadful disease.  In 2017. my yellow flower was personalized with two names as my Grandma had been diagnosed with this awful disease and our family began another caregiving journey.  In 2018, a new flower accompanied my yellow flower – a flower representing someone lost to Alzheimer’s disease.  I now raise a purple flower in memory of my aunt Pat who passed after a brutal and heart wrenching battle in December 2017.  Purple and yellow - two of my favorite colors;two colors I never wanted to raise at this event; two colors I’ll raise proudly as I FIGHT TO END ALZHEIMER’S in memory and honor of special people in my life; two colors I hope others in the future will NOT have to raise because of our efforts.  Join me in the fight!  Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease.   

Each year, I ask for your support.  And this year is no different.  Each dollar raised moves us closer to making a world without Alzheimer’s disease a reality. Each dollar raised helps provide care and support for families who are navigating their own personal journeys with the disease – care and support my own family has been fortunate to receive through the Alzheimer’s Association.  Each dollar raised makes a difference!  Please consider making a donation to our team– or better yet, join us! 

I walk because I've seen first hand the impact Alzheimer's has ...

... on patients, on my own loved ones, on caregivers, on communities, on lives.  

I walk because I've seen first hand the impact the Alzheimer's Association has ...

... on progress, on patients, on my own loved ones, on caregivers, on communities, on lives.  

I'm walking to help reclaim the future for millions. By participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®, I'm committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research, care, and support.

I need your support to do my part! Please make a donation to help the Alzheimer's Association advance research into methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer's.  For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide.

Thank you for joining the movement! The end of Alzheimer's disease starts with you.