Alzheimer’s touches every corner of Connecticut—including mine. I was my late husband Peter’s caregiver through early-onset Alzheimer’s, and after his passing, I wrote “Oh Hello Alzheimer’s” and, now, “Find Joy, No Regrets” to help other families find hope and practical tools. Today, as executive chair of the Greater Hartford Walk to End Alzheimer’s, I’m inviting our community to walk with us and show families they are not alone.
This disease is bigger than any one household: more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and nearly 12 million people nationwide provide unpaid care. Here in Connecticut, about 80,000 neighbors are living with Alzheimer’s. Numbers like these are staggering—but they’re also a call to action.
The important thing is this: there is something we can do—together. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for care, support, and research. The Promise Garden of colorful flowers represents our shared reasons to end this disease, from those living with dementia to the caregivers and advocates standing beside them.
Please join us for the Greater Hartford Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sunday, October 19, at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. Start or join a team at alz.org/walk. If you’re caring for someone, reach out—the Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900), education, and support groups. Together, we can lift families, fund progress, and move closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.
Lisa Marshall, Middletown