By Kara Jacobsen
Our Board members don’t just talk the talk – they also walk the Walk each year. Collectively, their teams have raised $344,719 for Alzheimer’s support and research since the first Walk4ALZ in 2016.
While this year’s Walk will be “virtual” on October 17th rather than at Balboa Park, that’s not stopping our Board of Directors. They’ll be joining thousands of other San Diegans in walking anytime, anywhere on that special day. It’s because of events like the Walk4ALZ that Alzheimer’s San Diego can keep all services FREE to the community. We are proud to be led by such a dedicated board, who each have a deeply personal connection to dementia.
Ready to Walk4ALZ? Sign up at www.alzsd.org/walk or by calling 858.966.3319.
Team African Americans Against Alzheimer’s
Marcea Lloyd has been surrounded by Alzheimer’s disease since she was a little girl. She saw it impact both her grandmother and great-grandmother. She grew up fearing she would eventually develop it herself. Instead, her world was jolted when her husband was recently diagnosed.
Being captain of her longtime team, African Americans Against Alzheimer’s (AAAA), will have even more meaning for Marcea this year.
“It’s nice to go to a place where I don’t have to explain why this is important. It’s empowering to be a part of a local organization that provides services to those who are living with the disease in 2020. I definitely believe in investing in a cure or research treatments, but it’s more personal to me…to speak in terms of real-time versus someday,” Marcea explains. “I see the value in our services that help provide the highest quality of life for those involved right now.”
When asking friends and family to support her team, she has found success by being vulnerable and sharing her story.
“People should understand that I don’t ask lightly, but because it’s important to me. Try and build that awareness and reach out to different groups you’re involved with. You’ll be much more persuasive,” she says.
Click here to support African Americans Against Alzheimer’s >>
Team Army 4 ALZ
Ann Owens lost five out of seven of her aunts to Alzheimer’s disease. One beloved aunt’s death was caused by hypothermia when her dementia symptoms caused her to wander after pulling over on the side of the road.
Ann encourages those fundraising to find their “why” when asking for money – why is this cause so important to them – and to make the Walk fun however you can!
“Mentioning 84,000 people in San Diego with dementia doesn’t personalize it for you. Tell your story and find creative ways to create energy and ownership for your team…even small things like props, posters, hats, and masks really help.”
This year Ann’s joining forces with co-captain and Board member Herb Liberman to fundraise for their team Army 4 ALZ. She plans to practice social distancing and walk with a small group in Poway.
Herb Liberman has spent decades of his life actively involved in the Alzheimer’s fight. He has led support groups and served on the boards of dementia support organizations in both Northern California and Nevada prior to his time at Alzheimer’s San Diego.
For Herb, it all began when his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about 30 years ago. When his father – her primary caregiver at the time – passed away, Herb and his wife took over caregiving duties.
Herb is facing the difficult journey once again as his wife, Beverly, has been diagnosed.
He understands the crucial importance of organizations like Alzheimer’s San Diego, where people are compassionate and offer meaningful services. He’s grateful to walk in support of his family as co-captain for Army 4 ALZ this year. He plans to lead a small group in Del Mar.
Last year, Herb adopted the temporary team name the LiberManiacs and took leadership responsibility for Ann’s team.
“I thought that name sounded good because I am a maniac when it comes to the Alzheimer’s war,” Herb shared with a laugh.
He shares his fundraising has been most successful by having separate lists of his wife’s and his contacts.
“I email out my story to the same people but explain what changes the organization has made to programs. This year, I’ll mention the increase in webinars, due to our services going virtual, as well as explain the story of my wife’s recent diagnosis,” he says.
Click here to support team Army 4 ALZ >>
Team Axos Bank
Derrick Walsh, our current Board Chair, saw how Alzheimer’s disease impacted his father’s dad, Papa John, and his mother’s mom, Nana Ingrid. Some of his favorite childhood memories growing up were spending time with Nana Ingrid at the local mall. During his mid-teens, Nana began showing signs of memory loss. And after a long progression of physical and mental decline, she was ultimately transitioned to a memory care facility.
“Eventually my beloved Nana Ingrid could no longer recognize me, and passed away from the disease,” Derrick says.
Derrick has organized his team, Axos Bank, for about 5 years now to honor his beloved Nana Ingrid. For those considering starting a team – but who are concerned about getting enough support – Derrick offers this advice:
“Don’t be afraid that it will be too much work or that you won’t get enough people to join you. I’ve had years where I only had a few people donate or walk with me. But each year, regardless of whether I have 5 or 50 supporters contributing/walking with me, I have finished the walk knowing that I am helping to change people’s lives.”
Click here to support Axos Bank >>
Michele & Mary Ann Memorial Team
Claudia Mazanec walks for her sister-in-law, Michele, and for her step-mom, Mary Ann. On October 17th, Claudia and her team plan to walk the trails near her neighborhood, in their honor.
In addition to her Board membership, Claudia spends time with someone living with dementia every week as an ALZ Companion volunteer. In-person visits have moved to online calls through Zoom because of the pandemic, but their bond has remained strong. Claudia values these chats and knows they help to relieve the caregiver’s stress, even if it’s just for an hour a week.
LEARN MORE | Virtual ALZ Companion program
“It’s hard for people to understand the true demands placed on a caregiver day in and day out. I could talk to the family I volunteer with all day, but it’s different when you have a 24/7 responsibility for the well-being of your person with Alzheimer’s ” she shares. “First of all, you’re losing someone day by day. Second, the work and patience needed pull on people’s emotions and there are feelings of guilt. It can be very frustrating for a care partner. Third, there’s the financial aspect as well, along with the general fear of getting the disease yourself.”
“That’s why it’s really important to have an organization like Alzheimer’s San Diego in the community,” Claudia continues. “People just don’t know where to go for help. But they can turn to Alzheimer’s San Diego for a variety of helpful resources and specialized services.”
Click here to support Michele & Mary Ann Memorial Team >>
Like many nonprofits, Alzheimer’s San Diego is facing unprecedented challenges. Fundraising events like the Walk4ALZ are more important now than ever before. Sign up for FREE at www.alzsd.org/walk or by calling 858.966.3319.
