Why We 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 Denise Lichtenberger and Melissa Reichman for their commitment to the South Jersey Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s taking place this year on October 4. Their extraordinary passion and dedication to helping all those affected by the disease has inspired and motivated others to get involved contributing to the event’s success. The funds raised by their efforts, and others, help propel the Association’s mission forward - accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Denise Lichtenberger, of Egg Harbor Township, has been a South Jersey Shore Walk committee member for more than two years, serving as co-chair in 2019 and is now chair. She participated in last year’s Promise Garden Ceremony holding the yellow flower that symbolizes she supports or cares for someone living with the disease. Denise says, “I walk in honor of my dad who is battling this horrible disease. This disease takes our loved ones away from us slowly, and it is heartbreaking to watch.” She adds, “I walk with the hope that I will be there to see a cure, so my children and grandchildren will not have to face the devastating effects the disease has on families.”

Melissa Reichman, of Mays Landing, walks in honor, and in memory, of her mother-in-law who passed away suddenly from Alzheimer’s complications in 2014; she was only 61 years old. Melissa says, “Her symptoms came on quick and progressed rapidly. My husband and our children did not even get to say good-bye. I walk with the hope that someday, there will be no more stories like ours. I walk with the hope that other mothers will be there for their sons in their time of need, in happiness, and in sorrow. I walk with the hope that other grandmothers will get to see their granddaughters graduate from high school, from college, get married, and have families. I walk with the hope that we can cure this disease. I walk for the first survivor.”

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 causes 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 www.alz.org/walk. To donate, text 2ENDALZ to 51555.