Alisa and her mom smile together

Why I Volunteer: Alisa Carroll

By Alisa Carroll I love you, mom.  My mom and I have always been best friends. She laughs easily and beautifully and has, her entire life, been the most animated and spirited person I know. She has been my cheerleader and encourager, and me hers –always at one another’s sides in times of need and celebration.  One of her dreams was to go to India, … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Alisa Carroll

Making Grandma Smile: Why I Walk

Jaxon is the leader of his Walk to End Alzheimer’s team, Jax’s End ALZ Army, one of the top fundraising teams for the Spokane Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Jaxon walks in honor of his grandma, who has been living with Alzheimer’s disease since 2013. This June, Jax turned 9 years old.  Jax lives in Cheney, WA with his mom, dad and older sister Jordan. When … Continue reading Making Grandma Smile: Why I Walk

For the most loving person I know: Why I Walk

By Michele Rufer I am Michele Rufer from Mill Creek, WA and I was a stay-at-home mom for my two kids most of their young lives. My husband and I will celebrate 25 years of marriage next year. I started my own business in 2013, which allowed me the flexibility to set my own hours. It was so great when the kids were little, and … Continue reading For the most loving person I know: Why I Walk

Team Linda’s Angels: Why I Walk

By John Morris My name is John Morris Jr., and I am 62 years old. I lost Linda, my wife of 29 years, to dementia. She was a strong woman. This is why I participate in the Columbia Basin Walk to End Alzheimer’s with Team Linda’s Angels. I noticed some changes in Linda around 2002. She had recently lost her mother, so I  thought, “Well, … Continue reading Team Linda’s Angels: Why I Walk

Caregiving with my sisters: Why I Walk

By: Dorothy Bagsby  My name Dorothy Bagsby, I live in Seattle. I retired from The Port of Seattle as a Lease Accountant III with 30 years of service. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, minor in sociology and two years of graduate study in public administration. I am a Certified Manager. I love reading, walking, music, attending church, participating in community charity and … Continue reading Caregiving with my sisters: Why I Walk

Taking care of Mom: Why I Walk

My name is Don Sweet. I live in Yakima with my wife Cindy. We have been married for five years now. I work as a Job Developer at a nonprofit organization that trains and employs adults with disabilities. I am the Walk Chair for the Yakima Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the captain of Team Cha Cha (more to come on the name later). My … Continue reading Taking care of Mom: Why I Walk

Aging with Pride: IDEA (Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action)

The Aging with Pride: IDEA (Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action) study is the first federally-funded research study examining ways to improve the health and quality of life for adults aged 50 and older in the LGBTQ community with memory loss and their caregivers. It tests a tailored approach to improve physical function and independence, addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ older adults who frequently … Continue reading Aging with Pride: IDEA (Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action)

For the first man I ever loved: Why I Walk

My father had Alzheimer’s disease, as did his mother (my paternal grandmother). My dad, Hans Harder, was the first man I ever loved. He was an athlete, WSU Alumni and a farmer who loved sports and raising cattle. He was the most generous person I knew. As a child, I remember him giving money to strangers on the street when we went to town. Continue reading For the first man I ever loved: Why I Walk

Fieldstone Memory Care: Why I Walk

Our vision for engaged and healthy residents is closely tied to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. That’s why we continue to put our support behind the Alzheimer’s Association, and why we’re inviting you to join the Walk efforts this year so we can continue to pave the way for a cure. Continue reading Fieldstone Memory Care: Why I Walk

Alzheimer’s Advocate: Katie Denmark

Katie Denmark is a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter. Her work in public policy as an Alzheimer’s advocate has been so important to our Chapter and in Washington State! We interviewed Katie about her work as a volunteer and what motivates her. Tell us about yourselfI live in the Seattle area with my husband and two sons. I practiced law before having … Continue reading Alzheimer’s Advocate: Katie Denmark