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COLUMBIA, SC – Lee Pearson, DrPH, is serving as the 2025 Executive Event Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Columbia, SC. Pearson, who is Executive Director of Operations and Accreditation for the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, will serve as the volunteer leader of the local Walk, working with Alzheimer’s Association staff and volunteers to ensure its success. He also serves as a vice chair of the Board for the Alzheimer’s Association South Carolina Chapter.
“We are in a new era of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, and I believe we have a greater sense of urgency now than ever before to gain momentum in efforts to find a cure,” Pearson said. “Researchers are making impressive strides in better understanding Alzheimer’s, and we need to continue building upon that progress. My support for Walk to End Alzheimer’s reflects my belief that together we can make a difference.”
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 programs. Plans are underway for this fall’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Columbia, and details will be announced soon. The event fuels research efforts while also maximizing care and support for families impacted by dementia – an experience that Pearson understands well.
“I have been a family caregiver for a parent with dementia and have provided support for friends navigating this disease. I’ve also worked professionally to support improvements in long-term care services and supports in our state,” he said.
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In South Carolina there are more than 112,500 people living with the disease and 219,000 caregivers.
“We are so grateful to Dr. Pearson for committing his time, passion and expertise to advance the fight against Alzheimer’s and all dementia,” said Mark Ward, Alzheimer’s Association staff partner for Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Columbia, SC. “With new treatments emerging and more promising prospects on the horizon, now is our moment to keep the momentum going here in the Midlands. Under Dr. Pearson’s volunteer leadership, we know that we’ll reach more people and new heights in 2025.”
Volunteers are at the heart of every Walk to End Alzheimer’s, driving the event’s growth in participation and revenue in support of the Association’s mission. Interested volunteers may learn more about opportunities – which range from the event planning committee to on-site assistance on Walk day – and submit an interest form.
Local sponsors of Walk to End Alzheimer’s also have a unique opportunity to impact the success of the event while displaying commitment to the local community. The Alzheimer’s Association offers mutually beneficial sponsorship packages that feature a wide range of benefits for participating companies and organizations. Many sponsors take their commitment one step further by organizing a team to walk and raise awareness. Those who wish to learn more may contact Ward at maward@alz.org.
To start a Walk team and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, register online at alz.org/walk. The Association also offers free awareness and educational presentations for workplaces and community groups, which can be requested online.
Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
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.
Alzheimer's Association®
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 — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.