Why I Walk To End Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter is spotlighting people who make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia, by participating in the upcoming 2020 Walk To End Alzheimer’s (WTEA) - the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Today we say "thank you" to Stephanie Wikstrom. Stephanie, a resident of Florham Park, is a member of the Marketing & Outreach Subcommittee for the Essex-Hudson-Union Walk To End Alzheimer’s taking place everywhere on September 26. This is her first year serving on the committee and because of her enthusiastic fundraising effort; she has already achieved Champion Level status!

“I walk to honor my mother who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 10 years ago,” says Stephanie. “I participate in the Walk to raise awareness of the disease, and understanding about how the dollars raised by this event funds research as well as educational and care and support programs, that benefit patients, and their caregivers, who struggle every day with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.” Stephanie adds, “My decision to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association was to connect with an organization that had forward momentum in research and resources for those suffering with dementia related diseases and to feel, in some very small way, that my time and contribution might make a difference.”

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease among the top 10 that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more than 16 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the U.S. In New Jersey alone, there are more than 190,000 people living with the disease and 448,000 caregivers.

Register your team today. Sign up as a Team Captain or register to walk as an individual. Learn more at alz.org/njwalk. To donate, text 2ENDALZ to 51555, or contact us at gnjwalks@alz.org for more information.