09/04/2025
This is why we walk. 💜
When Michelle’s dad, Don, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 69, her family’s world changed forever. Over 10 years, she watched him go from living at home with caregivers to assisted living, and eventually to an Alzheimer’s unit before he passed away at age 79.
Earlier this year, dementia touched her family again when Michelle’s 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: “Even though my mom has changed, I’m still creating memories with her.”
For Michelle, Walk to End Alzheimer’s 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.
It’s because of passionate people like Michelle that Home Instead, a Walk to End Alzheimer’s Gold National Team, has raised nearly $5.5 million over the past 17 years — including $280,000 just last year — to advance critical Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
Together with the , we’re fighting for a future without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Let’s make 2025 our most impactful year yet. 💪
Learn how you can get involved: alz.org/walk 🚶🏽♀️
