Why I Walk To End Alzheimer’s: Paul Infranco

The Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter is spotlighting people and organizations who are making a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia, by participating in the 2022 Walk To End Alzheimer’s (WTEA) - the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Today we say thank you to Paul Infranco, President of Buona Vita, Inc. Paul walked to honor his father, Paul Infranco, Sr., who passed from Alzheimer’s, and to represent all the people in his community living with the disease. Paul is an Elite Grand Champion member of Team Buona Vita having raised more than $17,000. The 2022 Cumberland County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, took place on Saturday, October 8 at Rowan College of South Jersey, but participation and fundraising continues through December 31. Paul’s extraordinary passion and dedication to helping all those affected by the disease has inspired and motivated others to get involved. The funds raised by his effort, and others, helps propel the Association’s mission forward - accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

"We are very excited to have Paul and Team Buona Vita join us in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. They are raising awareness and funds on behalf of all New Jerseyans living with Alzheimer's and all other dementia," said, Shannon Kappre, Walk Manager, Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter.

Paul explains, “I want to be a voice for those who cannot be here with us, but are always in our thoughts and hearts. In the summer of 2015, my father, Paul Infranco Sr., passed away due to Alzheimer's disease. He had lived with the disease for a long time, and it was truly heartbreaking to watch his condition worsen. Although he was physically well for a while, seeing his mind slowly shutdown was the hardest part. That is why I am committed to raising funds and awareness by walking to end Alzheimer’s.”

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease among the top 10 that cannot be cured, prevented, or even slowed. Additionally, more than 11 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the U.S. In New Jersey alone, there are more than 190,000 people living with the disease and 361,000 caregivers.

Learn more or donate at alz.org/walk. Contact Shannon Kappre at sykappre@alz.org for more information.