Since 1984, Alzheimer's disease research and support has been the philanthropic focus of Sigma Kappa Sorority. More than 40 years later, that commitment has added up to something extraordinary: the Sigma Kappa Foundation recently announced it has surpassed $20 million in total support for the cause, funded by the collective generosity of its members and donors across 115 collegiate chapters and 93 alumnae groups — roughly 240,000 members strong.

Sigma Kappa is also a Diamond Level National Team for the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®, raising more than $1 million annually and standing among the Association's most committed partners in the fight against the disease. 

Behind that number are thousands of individual reasons members show up year after year. Kayla Martin, a junior nursing student at Walla Walla University, is one of them. 

A cause that found her

Kayla's connection to Alzheimer's disease began before she joined Sigma Kappa. When she signed her bid, her grandfather, Max Clemons, was already living with the disease. By her first semester, the disease had progressed, and he passed away not long after. 

Kayla remembers him as steady, warm and full of life.

"He could only be described as sunshine — he always had a big old grin and laugh with his big ol' belly," she said. "For being a grandpa, that never slowed him down, from riding his Harley to Sturgis to having season tickets to the Spokane Chiefs hockey team. He was a family man to his core; he became everyone's grandpa around Spokane." 

Her most cherished memory came near the end of his life, when she drove home after learning he wasn't doing well. He had been quiet for days and hadn't eaten. Then, in a moment she describes as him briefly returning to himself, he let her help feed him, blew her a kiss and told her he loved her. 

"This is the last memory I have with my grandpa, and it is my most cherished," Kayla said. 

When she met the Sigma Kappas, she was immediately drawn to the sorority's commitment to the Alzheimer's Association. "The girls introduced me to what Sigma Kappa is and what they stand for, and immediately I was drawn to their biggest philanthropy being Alzheimer's disease research," she said. 

That connection deepened when she was invited to share her story on Preference Day, the final day of formal recruitment, when prospective members consider which sorority to join. 

"The chapter's vice president of recruitment believed that my story was important enough that every girl on their last day of recruitment decision should hear it," Kayla said.

For Kayla, one of the most meaningful parts of participating in Walk to End Alzheimer's is the moment before the walk begins. "The most important and meaningful part is the beginning, where everyone is asked to pick the flowers that connect with them to the cause — a color for who's battling Alzheimer's, who lost someone, who cares for someone," she said. "At the end, you get to see the most beautiful flower field of people who are fighting for the same thing you are." 

Carrying the work into her career 

Kayla's connection to Alzheimer's disease didn't end with her grandfather's death. Today, she works as a certified nursing assistant in a long-term skilled care facility, spending her days with residents living with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. 

"I once had a resident cry to me, explaining all she wants is to be human again," Kayla said. "This made me realize that part of showing up is being there just to listen. It's not only hard for those going through it, it's hard for anyone involved." 

That belief — that presence and listening matter — shapes how she shows up for Sigma Kappa's philanthropy. 

"Sigma Kappas around the country have made a difference so much more than we will probably ever know." 

Fueling the next generation of research 

Alongside the $20 million milestone, the Sigma Kappa Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association announced a new initiative: the Sigma Kappa Alzheimer's Research Fellowship, contributing $200,000 annually over the next five years to support early-career researchers. 

"We're deeply grateful to Sigma Kappa for making such a meaningful investment in the future of Alzheimer's research by supporting young investigators at a pivotal point in their careers," said Dr. Courtney Kloske, director of scientific engagement for the Alzheimer's Association. "Research funding is incredibly competitive, especially for emerging scientists. Thanks to Sigma Kappa's generosity, talented researchers are able to pursue innovative ideas that have the potential to improve lives and advance the fight against Alzheimer's disease." 

For Kayla, the $20 million milestone is both a celebration and a call to keep going. 

"I feel joy knowing I have contributed to $20 million in donations, but to be completely honest, it just fuels the fire for another $20 million," she said. "It is good to celebrate achievements, but let's keep it going until we find a cure."

One story among thousands 

Kayla is quick to point out that her story is just one of many behind the $20 million total. 

"Maybe you don't have a personal connection with this cause like I did, but you could be there for someone who does," she said. "For my Sigma Kappa sisters around the globe, you are much bigger than one person fundraising." 

That's the spirit behind Sigma Kappa's more than four decades of partnership with the Alzheimer's Association: one shared goal, carried forward one Walk, one gift and one story at a time. 

Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Sigma Kappa has a long-term partnership with the Alzheimer's Association and is a member of its Zenith Society. Sigma Kappa chapters form teams and participate in their local Walk to End Alzheimer's events. Sigma Kappa has consistently raised more than $1 million annually and is a Diamond Level National Team. Learn more.