Raising Awareness at Great Heights
A tireless Alzheimer's hero, Fred makes an annual 118-mile trek from Denver to Vail, Colo., as a personal tribute to his father who passed away from Alzheimer's in 2007. Fred's "Walk to Remember" has raised awareness and more than $250,000 for Alzheimer's research, care and support. He calls the event one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.
Advocating to End Alzheimer's
When Keri was 15, she began taking care of her grandmother, who has Alzheimer's. The experience inspired her to help other young adults in similar situations. She started a support group in her community and is currently working on a teen program. She's also become an Alzheimer's Advocate, speaking on Capitol Hill about the needs and rights of people with Alzheimer's.
Volunteering with Valor
During the 25 years that Sonia has volunteered at the Orange County chapter of the Association, she has touched tens of thousands of lives. She's answered Helpline calls in English and Spanish, and has been critical in getting needed support and resources to the Latino community. Her mission is to remember for those who can't, which she does extraordinarily well.
Creating a Support System
During high school, Kelly's life changed when her step-grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Wanting to take action in the fight against Alzheimer's and to get others involved, she helped launch YAAA! (Young Adults for Alzheimer's Awareness) in her community. As YAAA! co-chair, she created the group's first fundraiser, a black tie bowling event. Read her blog post.
Showing Fashion to Fundraise
After losing her mother to Alzheimer's it in 2006, Carol took her passion for fashion and began an annual runway show to benefit Alzheimer's care and programs. During the past five years, she has raised more than $300,000 and continues to help fight Alzheimer's by bringing awareness to as many people as possible.
Climbing the Highest Peaks for Alzheimer's
In memory of his mother, Alan has embarked upon a year-long journey to scale the highest peak on each continent as a means to raise awareness about Alzheimer's. A dedicated advocate, Alan is striving to raise $1 million to advance research and provide support for all those affected. Alan is currently climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Track his progress at www.climb4ad.com.
Making a Leap Toward a World Without Alzheimer's
On Alzheimer's Action Day, Don made a big jump—one from 14,000 feet. To draw attention to Alzheimer's and in celebration of his 97th birthday, Don went sky diving on Sept. 21. Having watched both of his sisters and many friends suffer from the disease, Don is committed to the end of Alzheimer's starting now.
Teaming Up to Tackle Alzheimer's
Inspired by her father's diagnosis, Sara started a flag football fundraiser in D.C. between two teams of women—Blondes vs. Brunettes®. Soon after, Kate and her friend Meredith Riddle started a game in Houston. Today, seven years later, women are taking the field in 15 cities. To date, the effort has raised more than $2 million for Alzheimer's care, support and research.
Going the Distance in the Fight Against Alzheimer's
Alex's grandmother was the inspiration behind a decision to put on his running shoes and complete four ultramarathons in less than a year. The fundraising project, "Ultras to End Alzheimer's," raised more than $55,000 and gave Alex a way to help others affected by the disease. Alex believes that together, we will find a cure.
Riding to Remember
After losing his mother Bernice to Alzheimer's, Mark worked together with his dad, siblings, nieces and nephews to create the Alzheimer's Motorcycle Run. Now in its seventh year, the Greiner family and the Weyenberg family have joined as hosts. The three families, all who have been affected by Alzheimer's, plan to make the Run a national event in 2012.
Walking to End Alzheimer's
Leora Darrah-Jarnagin embraces "The End of Alzheimer's Starts with Me" throughout her daily life. A dedicated team captain for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, Leora also has started several creative fundraisers, including the sale of "Cookin' Up a Cure," a cookbook dedicated to her mother.
Volunteering for Three Decades to End Alzheimer's
Bill and Yvonne have been volunteers for the Alzheimer's Association for more than 30 years and are founding members of the St. Louis Chapter. In the past decade alone, they have donated 6,000 hours of their time, providing much needed support to people affected by this disease.
Leora Darrah-Jarnagin, Iowa
Leora created a cookbook to honor her mother and raise funds for Alzheimer's.
Donald Sugg, Florida
Don, who turns 97 this month, went skydiving to raise awareness on Alzheimer's Action Day.
Bill and Yvonne Juhl, Missouri
Association volunteers for 3 decades, the Juhls have given thousands of hours of their time.
Baumgart Family, Wisconsin
The Baumgart family hosts an Alzheimer's Motorcycle Run in remembrance of their mother.
Kelly Williams, Virginia
Kelly helped start YAAA! (Young Adults for Alzheimer's Awareness) in her community.
Alan Arnette, Colorado
Alan is scaling the 7 summits to honor his mother, and raise $1 million for research and care.
Sara Allen Abbott, D.C. & Kate Allen Stukenberg, Texas
Sisters Sara & Kate founded Blondes vs. Brunettes, a fundraiser in 15 cities.
Alex Appel, New York
Alex ran four ultramarathons in a year to honor his grandmother, who is living with Alzheimer's.
Sonia Garcia, California
A volunteer for 25 years, Sonia has helped thousands of families affected by Alzheimer's.
Keri Roaten, Mississippi
Keri went to D.C. to stand up for the needs of rights of people with Alzheimer's.
Fred Wolfe, Colorado
To raise awareness and funds, Fred walks 118 miles every year as a tribute to his father.
Carol Kinkela, Pennsylvania
Carol organizes an annual benefit fashion show, which has raised $300,000 in five years.
Go Purple!
Help us raise awareness during World Alzheimer's Month. You can make a difference as an Alzheimer's hero by taking these actions:
Here's how, in three easy steps:
Wear Your Support
