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 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 Jillian Mills, of Elmer, NJ. Jillian has worked in the Human Services field for more than ten years and has always been very passionate about a career in caring and advocating for others. For the past seven years, she has worked at Salem County Women’s Services as a counselor and legal advocate for men, women and children who have been affected by Domestic Violence and/or Sexual Assault. Jillian has been very active in the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in research studies, participating in Walk and spearheading numerous fundraisers. The funds raised by her effort, and others, helps propel the Association’s mission forward - accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. The Cumberland County Walk To End Alzheimer’s happened everywhere on Saturday, October 24, but participation and fundraising continues through December 31. Due to COVID-19, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging participants to walk as individuals or in small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails around their neighborhoods. A recording of the opening ceremony featuring local speakers and a presentation of “Promise Flowers” to honor the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer’s can be viewed, anytime, at: https://bit.ly/348k6Af

Jillian explains, “I am one of the primary caregivers for my mother, Donna, who has been fighting this disease for almost eight years. My beautiful and intelligent mother has reverted to childlike tendencies at the young age of 67. It has been especially difficult on both of us, as she can no longer form the words to express what she is feeling. I have had to become a mother to the woman who once taught me everything. No matter how bad this awful disease gets, I will always be by her side and fight for her.”

She concludes, “I will continue to walk each year to honor my mother and all those who suffer from Alzheimer's and all other dementia.”

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.

For more information, to register or donate, visit alz.org/walk.