In death, Millers make a $587,500 gift to improve others’ lives
Andrew “Dale” and Norma Miller lived with their hearts on their sleeves. With no children of their own, they adopted and generously supported causes that were important to them: animal welfare and those who helped Dale as his mother navigated her journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Colorado Springs office of the Alzheimer’s Association is one of the beneficiaries of the Miller’s generosity. After the couple passed away in 2021, the executor of their estate, Perry Karraker, followed their direction by writing a check for $587,500 to the Association. The money is to be used specifically to provide services to families affected by Alzheimer’s in Colorado.
“They (Dale and Norma) talked about the support they received from the local Alzheimer’s Association staff and how much they appreciated it,” said Karraker. “It was important to them that they give back to the organization that helped when Dale’s mom was struggling.”
The Millers moved to Colorado Springs from California specifically to help care for Dale’s mother following her dementia diagnosis. Their neighbors, Karraker and his wife, Rebecca, became close friends of the Millers, and were entrusted with carrying out their wishes with their estate.
Dale and Norma passed away in 2022 of cancer and COVID, respectively. Subsequently, the Karrakers met with RoseMary Jaramillo, regional director for the Alzheimer’s Association office in Colorado Springs, and could see that the Millers’ trust would be well-utilized there.
“They wanted the money to stay local,” Karraker said. “Everyone who met Norma and Dale fell in love with them. They were very gracious and selfless.”
“The Miller’s generosity and dedication to community will touch generations,” said Jaramillo. “It will help us move a step closer to a world without Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
There are more than 76,000 Coloradans among the 6.5 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease, the 7th-leading cause of death and the only major disease without a prevention or cure. To learn more about the information, programs and services provided at no charge by the Alzheimer’s Association, go to
alz.org or call the free 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.