Why I Walk To End Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter is spotlighting people who make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia, by participating in the 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 Dian Cucchisi for her commitment to the Mercer-Middlesex Walk to End Alzheimer’s, taking place this year on September 19. Recently, Dian participated in the Who’s Your Hero? Campaign that encouraged participants to share the story of their hero on the Walk To End Alzheimer's – GNJ Facebook page, that inspired them to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Dian’s post received the most Likes and Shares of all submitted. Dian’s extraordinary passion and dedication to helping all those affected by the disease has inspired and motivated others to get involved contributing to the event’s success. 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.

Dian, of Whiting, has participated in the Walk To End Alzheimer’s for more than three years and achieved Champion status during the 2020 Walk season by individually raising over $500. She walks to honor her husband, Joe, who passed away from Alzheimer’s, and hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to register, or donate, on behalf of their hero. Dian recounts, “While being a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer's disease is very difficult, I can't imagine what it is like to be the person suffering from the disease. My husband suffered from several chronic illnesses and, fortunately, was able to communicate effectively what it felt like to be in his body. With the onset of Alzheimer's, he was able to continue that for only a while. He was so courageous and strong through it all while being a compassionate, supportive and loving husband and father. He will be my hero forever.”

“Our team is named Joe’s Angels to honor his legacy, and I walk to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia in the hope that generations to come won’t have to.”

More than 5 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 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more than 16 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 448,000 caregivers.

Register your team today. Sign up as a Team Captain or register to walk as an individual. Learn more at alz.org/njwalk. To donate, text 2ENDALZ to 51555.