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Celebrating the Impact of Local Walk to End Alzheimer’s Champions
The Alzheimer’s Association gathered to recognize a group of individuals who have chosen to turn their personal connection to Alzheimer’s into meaningful action… the Champions from the St. Louis and St. Charles 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Each Champion raised $500 or more. But what makes that number so powerful is this: Together, they accounted for over half of the total funds raised across both local walks.
More Than Fundraising, Building A Community of Advocates
Allen Serfas shared during the evening, Champions are more than fundraisers. They are ambassadors for the Alzheimer’s Association.
They are the ones who:
- Start conversations others may not know how to begin
- Raise awareness in their communities
- Become a trusted connection when another family is navigating a diagnosis
Because the reality is, Alzheimer’s doesn’t just impact one person. It impacts entire families.
Allen spoke to something many can relate to… how a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, isolating, and even divisive within a family. And yet, something as simple as showing up for a Walk can bring people back together.
“People don’t always know how to help… but they can show up.”
That’s what the Walk creates. A way in.
The Power of Champions by the Numbers
During the event, Ed Clay helped put the impact into perspective.
- Nearly 4,000 people registered for the St. Louis and St. Charles Walks
- Individuals who reached Champion status collectively raised more than half of the total funds
Let that sink in. A small group of committed individuals drove the majority of the impact.
And while many participants walk in honor or memory of a loved one, Champions take it a step further. They make the ask. They share their story. They invite others into the mission.
Where the Funds Go and Why It Matters
A common question families ask is: Where does the money actually go? Hearing from Dr. Chris Weber brought that answer to life in a powerful way.
Crucial parts of every dollar raised are helping to:
- Advance Research and Treatment: There are now FDA-approved therapies that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by targeting amyloid in the brain. While not a cure, this represents one of the most meaningful advancements in decades.
- Improve Early Detection: New blood tests are emerging that can detect Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers earlier than ever before, helping individuals access care and treatment sooner.
- Support Prevention and Lifestyle Interventions: Research like the U.S. POINTER study is showing that lifestyle changes… including physical activity, nutrition, and social engagement… can actually improve cognitive outcomes.
- Fuel Local Research Right Here in St. Louis: Groundbreaking research work is happening at Washington University in St. Louis, positioning our region as a leader in Alzheimer’s and dementia research.
This is not abstract progress happening somewhere far away. It’s happening here.
Why Early Action Matters for Families
One of the most important takeaways from the evening was this: The future of Alzheimer’s care is shifting toward earlier detection and earlier intervention.
Treatments are most effective in the early stages. Lifestyle interventions are most impactful before significant decline. Support systems are most helpful when families aren’t yet in crisis.
And yet, so many families say the same thing: “I wish we would have known sooner.”
That’s why awareness, education, and connection matter just as much as research.
A Space to Reflect, Connect, and Keep Going
A heartfelt thank you to co-hosts Allen Serfas and Matt Mikula, and the many board members and ALZ staff whose leadership and generosity made this gathering possible.
The evening wasn’t just about recognition. It was about connection.
It was a chance for Champions to:
- See the impact of their efforts
- Hear how funds are making a real difference in research
- Connect with others who share a similar journey
Because while Alzheimer’s can feel isolating, moments like this remind us: You are not alone in this.
What It Means to Be a Walk To End Alzheimer’s Champion
Being a Walk Champion isn’t just about hitting a fundraising number. It’s about choosing to:
- Share your story
- Invite others into the cause
- Advocate for families who may not yet have a voice
- Turn something deeply personal into something powerfully impactful
It’s about becoming the person someone else reaches out to when they don’t know where to start.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, this is your invitation.
Start a team. Join a team. Share your story. Take that first step.
Because what we saw during the Champion Celebration is proof of what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
Together, we can continue toward our shared vision of a world without Alzheimer’s… for families today and for the future of Alzheimer’s care.
🔗 Find a Walk to End Alzheimer’s near you: alz.org/walk
