There are moments in life that change you forever. For me, it was watching my father, Arthur, slowly disappear because of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
The man who taught me so much, who was always there for our family, gradually lost pieces of himself to a disease that steals memories, independence, and dignity. Like millions of families, we experienced the heartbreak, the uncertainty, and the overwhelming feeling of helplessness that dementia brings. Losing my father left a void that will never be filled, but it also gave me a purpose.
That is why I walk.
Every step I take at the Bergen/Passaic Walk to End Alzheimer’s is in honor of my dad and in memory of the incredible man he was before this disease changed our lives.
My father’s journey also shaped the work I do every day. As the owner of Senior Care Authority, I have had the privilege of helping hundreds of families navigate one of the most difficult decisions they will ever face—finding the right senior living community for someone they love. I see the fear in their eyes, the guilt they often carry, and the love that drives every decision they make. Their stories remind me that my family’s experience is not unique. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia touch every community, every neighborhood, and nearly every family.
My commitment doesn’t end with my business. I am honored to serve on the Board of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater New Jersey Chapter because I believe we all have a responsibility to do what we can to end this devastating disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is leading the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other forms of dementia through groundbreaking research, advocacy, education, and support for families who desperately need it.
The truth is, you probably have your own reason to walk. Maybe it’s a parent, a grandparent, a spouse, a sibling, a friend, or a neighbor. Maybe it’s someone you miss every day, or someone who is still fighting this disease today.
I hope you’ll join me on Sunday, September 27, at Overpeck Park for the 2026 Bergen/Passaic Walk to End Alzheimer’s (www.alz.org/njwalk). Walk in honor of someone you love. Walk in memory of someone you’ve lost. Walk to support the millions of families facing this journey today. Walk because together, we can create a future where no one has to hear the words, “You have Alzheimer’s.”
I walk because of my father.
I walk because of the families I serve.
I walk because I believe that one day, together, we will end Alzheimer’s and all other forms of dementia.
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