Why I Walk To End Alzheimer's

During National Volunteer Month in April, the Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter (AAGNJ) is spotlighting volunteers who make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia, by participating in the upcoming 2021 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 Vicky Meo. "Vicky is an extremely dedicated and engaged volunteer on our Bergen-Passaic Walk Planning Committee. As committee Co-Chair and a financial advisor for National Presenting Sponsor - Edward Jones, she is continuously identifying new opportunities for recruitment and promotion of the event. Vicky is an incredible community partner and can always be counted on to work alongside us in the fight to end Alzheimer’s" said, Kayla Klinzing, Walk Manager, AAGNJ.

Vicky explains, “I volunteer to raise awareness and to show support for all those who are impacted. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s has no cure and affects so many. The Walk, taking place this year on October 17, helps people realize they are not in this fight alone. My hope is that raising awareness and funds will lead to a research discovery that will, in the near future, result in the first survivor.”

This is Vicky’s second year serving on the committee. Her 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 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.

More than 6 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 11 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 347,000 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.