Volunteer Spotlight: Kathy Kelley, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter

Shared by: Kathy Kelley

For most people, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a powerful, once-a-year experience. For Kathy, that experience became a year-round commitment to supporting families, caregivers, and the mission to end Alzheimer’s.

Two years ago, she was scrolling through Instagram when a simple post caught her eye, an invitation to volunteer at the DuPage Walk to End Alzheimer's at North Central College. She signed up, unsure of what to expect. What she found was a community filled with purpose, hope, and connection.

“I was so moved by the whole atmosphere of the day,” she recalls. “I knew I wanted to do more.” She asked if help was needed beyond the event, and the answer was yes. Since then, she has become a steady and invaluable part of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s office in Lisle, volunteering a few hours each week behind the scenes. Her work may not always be visible to walkers on

Walk day, but it’s essential:

• Making phone calls

• Writing heartfelt thank-you notes

• Preparing supplies for Walk sites across the region

• Supporting the DuPage Walk team year after year

Her commitment is rooted in deeply personal experience. Alzheimer’s and dementia have touched multiple generations of her family, her grandmother, uncle, and aunt. Her cousin passed away in her early 60s from frontotemporal dementia and today, her brother is living with Alzheimer’s.

“In fact, as she’s sharing her story, she is caregiving for her brother to give my sister-in-law a break,” she shares. These moments, both heartbreaking and meaningful, fuel her determination.

Despite the heavy reality of the disease, she chooses to channel her energy into action.“I hope I can play a small part in fighting for a cure,” she shares.

She does every week, with every note, every call, every box packed for Walk day. Her dedication reminds us that the fight against Alzheimer’s is not only about big gestures, but also the quiet, consistent acts of service that move this mission forward.

Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your heart, your time, and your story. You are making an incredible difference for families across Illinois.

If you are interested in participating in a local Walk to End Alzheimer’s, contact a Walk Manager at https://www.alz.org/walk or if you are interested in in sharing your story contact Lionell Martin at lrmartin@alz.org.