Hometown:  McLean, VA

Participating in the DC Walk on Oct. 9

Why do you support the Walk and the Alzheimer's Association?

My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a few years back. He passed away this year in May. I am walking to honor him. I also want to contribute towards ending this disease. This cause is personal to me but I also recognize how common it is these days. I hope there is a solution some day, so that others who are diagnosed with this disease can live an easier life. 

This is my first time getting involved and I plan to continue staying involved in the future, in whatever way I can.

Please share a favorite memory of your loved one. 

My favorite memory of my grandfather is our afternoon naps, while I was growing up. In my summer holidays, I'd go visit him and we'd have lunch together. He would then go to his room for an afternoon nap. He would call me lovingly and we would lay on his bed and talk for hours. He would share all his life memories and I would just keep smiling at the wonderful human that he was. Those afternoon nap discussions have taught me so much and I am so grateful that I was blessed to be his granddaughter and experience those moments.

What would you say to someone to encourage them to join the Walk?

Let's walk together to bring an end to this disease, so our loved ones can continue to walk smoothly through life, so they can remember their loved ones.

https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2021/DC-NationalCapitalArea?px=19909234&pg=personal&fr_id=14365

Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s. 

Walk to End Alzlheimer’s - Washington, D.C.

https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2021/DC-NationalCapitalArea?fr_id=14365&pg=entry

Saturday, Oct. 9

National Mall

Registration opens at 8 a.m.

Ceremony starts at 9:30 a.m.

For more information, contact Faith Anderson at 703.766.9035 or fanderson@alz.org

Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Northern Virginia

https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2021/DC-NationalCapitalArea?fr_id=14363&pg=entry

Sunday, Oct. 24

Reston Town Center

Registration opens at 8 a.m.

Ceremony starts at 9:30 a.m.

For more information, contact Shiri Rozenberg at 803-371-9793 or shrozenberg@alz.org

Registration information

Sign up as an individual, team member or Team Captain. While there is no fee to register for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure. Learn more and register at alz.org/walk.

The Promise Garden

The poignant Promise Garden ceremony is a mission-focused experience that signifies the solidarity of the Walk participants in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s personal connection to Alzheimer’s.

Blue: Someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

Purple: An individual who has lost someone to the disease.

Yellow: A person who is currently supporting or caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s.

Orange: A participant who supports the cause and the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

Safety information 

Walk to End Alzheimer's is happening — and you can join us at your local event or Walk From Home in your neighborhood. With the health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers as top priorities, the Walk will implement safety protocols including physical distancing, masks (where required), contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations and more. Per CDC guidelines around crowded outdoor settings, we ask that all Walk attendees be vaccinated against COVID-19 or wear a mask when in an overcrowded area. Masks will be available on-site. 

“While the recent Delta variant surge may impact the way we walk, it doesn’t change the reason we walk,” said Kate Rooper, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter. “More than ever, with the dollars raised, the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to provide care and support to families during these difficult times while also advancing critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention.”

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.