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With new treatments emerging, now is the time for hope and action. More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, supported by nearly 12 million unpaid caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event raising funds for care, support and research. Held in over 600 communities, it is a day to find solidarity and honor loved ones. Below, three dedicated volunteers share why they walk to make history.
Mary walks to honor her mother’s strength and break down dementia stigmas
Mary Fus with her mother. Image provided by Mary Fus
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For nearly two decades, Mary and her siblings have dedicated themselves to keeping their mother, who is living with Alzheimer’s, at home. They honor the matriarch who raised them after their father became ill and passed away, leaving her with 5 children between the ages of 7 and 13 to raise on her own. She was ahead of her time and owned several businesses. This allowed flexibility in her schedule to make a living while being there for her children. She was a hard worker and dedicated to her family. This deep, family-oriented love is the foundation of Mary’s ongoing fight against Alzheimer’s.
Mary’s journey as a caregiver quickly turned her into a fierce advocate. From pushing hospitals for firm admission times so she could secure wheelchair transportation, to ensuring medical staff understand her mother’s true physical capabilities, Mary knows that caregivers must be the unwavering voice for their loved ones. “You have to go with your gut. You know them the best as their caregiver. You know the person, and so you have to speak up,” she advised.
Beyond her family, Mary is a community bridge-builder. Recognizing a lack of Alzheimer’s awareness and programs in the community, she helped forge a partnership between the Alzheimer’s Association and the Chinese American Service League. This initiative led to crucial, culturally sensitive resources for Asian families while breaking down long-standing stigmas surrounding dementia.
It’s this progress that brings Mary back to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s year after year. “On walk day, it’s just wonderful to see everybody coming together for a common cause, being there to support each other, letting people know that they’re not alone in this and that there are people that are working to make things better.”
Every step makes a difference in breaking down barriers and funding crucial support. Join Mary in making history for your community by registering at ALZ.org/Walk
For Cassie, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a profound demonstration of love and an active fight for a cure
Cassie Crist and her husband Chad Crist walk for his mother, Connie. Image provided by Cassie Crist.
After a frustrating journey to secure a diagnosis for her mother-in-law, Cassie understands the critical importance of early detection and caregiver advocacy.
She encourages everyone to participate in the Walk, emphasizing its unmatched sense of community. “”Get involved now because you could be part of finding that first survivor and waving that white flower,” she says. ”I think everybody assumes it’s a fundraiser, and it is, but it’s also just a day to come together. If you don’t have the money, it’s absolutely fine to just be there as an ally.”
Cassie lives this allyship every day. She has witnessed the invisible weight carried by her father-in-law and actively steps in to help from ensuring he gets time to decompress, to teaching him how to do his wife’s makeup so she retains her dignity.
This deep familial bond fuels Cassie’s motivation. Last year, the entire family surrounded her mother-in-law at their local Walk. This year, Cassie is taking her dedication further by officially closing her business for the day so she and her colleagues can join the event.
Cassie is walking as an ally for her family. You can be an ally, too. Start or join a team today at ALZ.org/Walk.
Turning grief into action, Jen stepped up to lead just months after losing her mother
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Image provided by Jen Price
Just 13 months ago, Jen Price had no connection to the Alzheimer’s Association. Today, she is proudly leading her local Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Chicago. Her rapid journey into advocacy was sparked by a serendipitous encounter with Association representatives at a corporate event, shortly before tragically losing her mother to the disease last November.
Stepping up to chair the Walk was a deeply personal decision for Jen, honoring her mother’s memory and supporting her father, who served as the primary caregiver during their 52-year marriage. Jen actively reminds her community that the Walk funds crucial research for new treatments and provides indispensable caregiver resources.
For those hesitant to build a team, Jen offers a simple, encouraging revelation: people are incredibly eager to help. “I think a lot of people just want to be asked. There really is no one that has said no to me,” she noted, urging people to tap into their networks.
Above all, Walk day delivers a profound sense of solidarity, filled with families and shared determination.
“It’s a really positive, loving environment,” Jen shared. “It makes you feel really supported and that you’re not alone.”
Jen learned that people want to help, and they often just need to be asked. Now is the time for action. Register for the Oct. 3 Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s or another Walk near you at ALZ.org/Walk. For additional resources, visit ALZ.org
—Jessica Chesler for Alzheimer’s Association