Leah Green Honors a Loved One's Legacy in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s

Leah pictured in front of the Bank of America Marathon advertising campaign on their building.

When Leah lost a close family friend Susie Rushing Plakon to Alzheimer’s in 2018 at just 57 years old, it was more than a heartbreaking goodbye. This wasn’t supposed to happen so soon, not to someone so full of life known far and wide for her musical ear, her devotion to her family, and her love for Jesus. The loss sent ripples through Leah’s community, bringing together a circle of people united not only in grief, but a powerful shared purpose, to keep her friend’s memory alive and fight for a future without Alzheimer’s.

Now, Leah is preparing to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 12th, and this race is about far more than the miles. She’s lacing up her shoes to raise critical funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause that has taken on deeply personal meaning. Every step she takes on race day is in honor of her beloved friend, a woman who lived with courage, warmth, and strength, even in the face of a cruel and unrelenting disease.

“Growing up, I watched my dad's passion shine through his work in the Assisted Living/ Memory Care business development space,” say Leah. “While I knew how important these facilities were to families in need, I'd never considered the possibility that someone so close to me could be checking in as a resident.”

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and it robs individuals of their memories, independence, and identity. It’s a disease that doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed, but it impacts families, friends, and communities. Leah has seen this firsthand, and instead of letting grief consume her, she chose to channel it into action.

By running the marathon, Leah is not only raising awareness, she’s raising hope. Every dollar she raises goes toward:

• Supporting individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s

• Funding critical research to understand the disease and search for a cure

• Advocating for better care and more accessible resources for all affected

For Leah, marathon training has become more than physical preparation, it’s been an emotional journey. On race day, she won’t be running alone. With each mile, she’ll carry the spirit of her friend beside her, along with the strength of her community and the determination to make a difference.

Leah’s story is a testament to the power of turning loss into legacy. You can support her mission by donating to her fundraising page, sharing her story, or learning more about the work of the Alzheimer’s Association. Whether it’s one step or 26.2 miles, every bit of support brings us closer to a cure. To donate visit: http://act.alz.org/goto/leahgreen2025marathon