Why I Walk To End Alzheimer’s: Shelby Nelson

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 Shelby Nelson of Egg Harbor Township, who walks to honor her mother, Michele, who is living with the disease. Shelby is a Grand Champion member of Team Michele having raised more than $1,300. The 2022 South Jersey Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s, took place on Saturday, October 22 at Ocean City Civic Center and Field, on the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ, but participation and fundraising continues through December 31. Shelby’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 her 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 Shelby and Team Michele 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.

Shelby explains, “My mother, Michele, was diagnosed with dementia at the very young age of 50. My friends and family walk to end this awful disease so someday, no other families will have to go through it. My mother, the family matriarch, deserved much more time with her family, children, and very young grandchildren. While her light and love for life will always be inside of her, the time she has to recall a lifetime of memories made with those that love her, has been cut short. Walking is an amazing way to spread knowledge, supply information, raise funds and hope for a future without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”

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 https://bit.ly/3F4PT8o. Contact Shannon Kappre at sykappre@alz.org for more information.