09/04/2025
This is why we walk. š
When Michelleās dad, Don, was diagnosed with Alzheimerās at age 69, her familyās world changed forever. Over 10 years, she watched him go from living at home with caregivers to assisted living, and eventually to an Alzheimerās unit before he passed away at age 79.
Earlier this year, dementia touched her family again when Michelleās mom, Sandy, had a stroke and heart attack that rapidly advanced her dementia. Now in memory care, Michelle visits Sandy every evening. Despite these challenges, she finds gratitude: āEven though my mom has changed, Iām still creating memories with her.ā
For Michelle, Walk to End Alzheimerās is about honoring her parents and connecting with others. Each year, she joins her Home Instead team and others in the senior care community to walk not in sadness, but in hope for a cure.
Itās because of passionate people like Michelle that Home Instead, a Walk to End Alzheimerās Gold National Team, has raised nearly $5.5 million over the past 17 years ā including $280,000 just last year ā to advance critical Alzheimerās care, support, and research.
Together with the , weāre fighting for a future without Alzheimerās and all other dementia. Letās make 2025 our most impactful year yet. šŖ
Learn how you can get involved: alz.org/walk š¶š½āāļø
