Why I Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Maureen Gilchrist

The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter (AAGNJ) 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 2023 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 Maureen Gilchrist who walked to honor her mother, and seven other family members who passed from Alzheimer’s.

So far, Team M.A.R.K. has raised more than $3,300 – nearly 94% to their goal and they are determined to reach 100%. The Bergen-Passaic Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place on Saturday, October 14 at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park. Maureen is team captain and an Elite Grand Champion. Her efforts are ongoing as participation and fundraising continue through December 31.

Maureen’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, help to propel the Association’s mission forward - accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

“Community partners like Maureen are the change drivers. The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter (AAGNJ) is committed to collaborating with our community partners to create a safety net around those impacted by dementia", said chapter executive director, Cheryl Ricci-Francione. "We provide a vast array of resources and educational programs to New Jersey residents, all at no cost. We are able to provide these services due to the generous support of our donors and corporate sponsors."

Maureen explains, “I walk to end Alzheimer’s to honor my loved ones who passed from Alzheimer’s - my Mother and her six siblings, and my cousin Patrick, who passed far too young at age 55. Our family’s team name is “Team M.A.R.K” – for the 7 siblings: Mary, Michael, Maurice, Margaret, Andrew, Robert and Kathleen. Sadly, we amended that a few years ago to include Patrick “Team M.A.R.K.& P”. I know firsthand the toll this disease takes on not only the person living with the disease, but the family surrounding them. Being a caregiver is hard and heartbreaking. The funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s go to support critical research globally as well as funds local educational programs and caregiver support programs. I am passionate about supporting the important mission of the Alzheimer’s Association – and I am firmly planted in the community supporting the loved ones of those with Alzheimer’s. Being my Mother’s caregiver was the greatest honor of my life and I will continue to honor and love my Mother by championing this mission.”

Walk Manager, Kevin Roman adds, "Maureen is an absolute rock star and we're so thankful for everything she does. She truly encompasses what makes our Walks so special, and is driving us forward to a world 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 272,000 caregivers.

Learn more at alz.org/njwalk. To donate, text 2ENDALZ to 51555, or contact Kevin Roman, Walk Manager, at [email protected] for more information.