A Walk That Became a Life’s Mission

Shared By Joan Whitney, Co-Chair, Knox-Warren Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Galesburg, IL

In 1992, I was working at Sprint Telecommunications when our local public relations representative asked for a volunteer to represent us at Walk to End Alzheimer’s. At the time, I didn’t have a personal connection to the disease—but I believed in the cause and raised my hand. That decision would change the course of my life. Now, 34 years later, I’m still walking, still raising awareness, and still hoping for a cure.

Back then, the walk focused solely on Alzheimer’s disease. Over time, the mission expanded to include all forms of dementia—something that hit home when my own twin brother, who had other health issues, was also diagnosed with vascular dementia.

In the past three decades, I’ve watched this disease grow more personal. More friends, more family members, more people I care about have been impacted. That’s why I’m still here, still walking. I hold on to the hope that one day, we’ll find a cure. Because no one should ever have to say goodbye to their loved ones twice.

One of the most powerful moments during every walk is when someone stands up and bravely shares their personal story. Those stories stay with me. And then there’s the Promise Garden—when we all raise our colorful flowers in honor, memory, and support. It’s such a beautiful, emotional moment that reminds us why we’re here.

I’m incredibly proud to co-chair the Knox-Warren Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Galesburg, Illinois. I’ve held just about every position you can think of over the past 34 years, but co-chairing with our amazing team has been an honor. We work hard to make each event meaningful, and I’m so grateful to our volunteers and leaders who give their all every year.

My walk team, Ending Alzheimer’s Starts With Me, is close to my heart—and yes, I’m the proud captain. I can’t even begin to estimate how much I’ve raised over the years. I do remember my first walk, though. It was in October of 1992, inside the local mall because it was snowing, and we raised $2,600. I personally raised $962 that year—and I remember being so proud of that number.

Since then, fundraising has grown tremendously. So far this year, I’ve raised over $10,000, thanks in part to one very generous donor. But every single contribution matters to me. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my friends and family many of whom now have their own connections to this disease.

People often ask me why I continue to do this year after year. My answer is simple “it’s my passion. As long as I’m able, I’ll be here. There are many heartbreaking diseases in the world, but losing a loved one twice to memory, and then to death—is a pain no one should have to experience. Until we find a cure, I’ll keep walking. And I’ll keep fighting.”

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Find your Walk today at www.alz.org/walk