Every year, I participate in the Alzheimer’s Walk not just to support a cause, but to honor someone I loved deeply: my grandfather, Theo.
He lived with Alzheimer’s for over eight years, and during that time, I witnessed the slow and painful toll it took, not only on him, but on everyone who loved him. Despite the challenges, his strength, kindness, and spirit stayed with us, even as the disease tried to take those things away.
Walking in this event has become a powerful way for me to carry his memory forward. It’s not just about remembrance, it’s about action. I walk to raise awareness. I walk to support ongoing research that can lead to better treatments and, one day, a cure. I walk for the families going through what ours did, for the caregivers who show up day after day, and for everyone still fighting.
The walk itself is always an emotional experience. You’re surrounded by people with stories like yours, each one carrying a name, a memory, a reason. There’s grief, but there’s also incredible strength. There’s solidarity. And there’s hope. That hope is what keeps us moving forward.
Representing our company in this cause makes the experience even more meaningful. It reminds me how deeply personal missions can unite a team, a community, and even an industry. When we come together for something bigger than ourselves, the impact multiplies.
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease, but it doesn’t erase the love we carry. It doesn’t take away the legacy of those we’ve lost. By walking, we honor that legacy, and we fight for a future where fewer families have to endure what ours did.
I’ll keep walking in memory of Theo, and I’ll keep walking with the hope that one day, we won’t have to walk for this reason anymore. If you’d like to join us in that hope, you can walk with our team or make a donation to support research and care. Every step and every contribution brings us closer to a future without Alzheimer’s.
Rasha Bitar, CFF®, CGSP®
Director of Client Services
