Arlington Woman Committed to Alzheimer Cause

Katherine Godfrey of Arlington will be joining the movement to end Alzheimer’s disease at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s taking place in Cambridge on Sunday, September 29. Godfrey will walk in memory of her grandmother, Lavina Miller. 

“I had a special connection with her,” said Godfrey. “We had a great relationship. I always wanted to spend as much time with my grandmother as possible.”

This year will be the first time Godfrey is participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s as captain of her team “Lavina’s Ladies,” named in honor of her late grandmother. “In a few short years she didn’t know who I was anymore. It was just heartbreaking,” said Godfrey. Inspired by the loss of her grandmother in 2009, Godfrey is driven toward Alzheimer’s research. “I want to do whatever I can personally to contribute to finding a cure,” said Godfrey. “Whether that means volunteering my time, donating money or offering support, sometimes it helps to just listen, too.”

By participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Godfrey will be helping to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and money to support research, programs and services for the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter.

“There has never been a greater need to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said James Wessler, President/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter.  “We are truly grateful to Katherine and all of those participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for their commitment.”

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.  As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. The disease has a significant impact on family members, with nearly 15 million providing care to a loved one, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.