Why I Walk, and Advocate, to End Alzheimer’s: Dani Micale

The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter is spotlighting people who are making a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia, by volunteering or participating in the upcoming 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 Dani Micale of Milltown, NJ, a volunteer and participant with team Miles for Millie, in the Mercer-Middlesex Walk to End Alzheimer’s, taking place on Saturday, September 17 at Veterans Park, 2206 Kuser Road in Hamilton Township.

Dani, a caregiver to her grandmother until she passed in 2007, has also been an advocate and ambassador with the Alzheimer's Association for 10 years and is currently serving as ambassador to Senator Robert Menendez. She is a licensed and certified geriatric professional, case manager, educator and consultant specializing in Alzheimer's and dementia care. Dani, crowned Mrs. New Jersey 2022, will be competing to become Mrs. United States in the Fall. She uses her platform to promote the "ABCs of Alzheimer's Disease" to increase education and awareness of the issues facing those living with the disease and their caregivers. “Dani truly understands the importance of sharing her story to help move the Association’s mission forward. We are extremely grateful for Dani joining us in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia," said, Judi Dawson, Walk Manager, and Brooke Lockwood, Advocacy Manager.

Dani’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.

Dani explains, “My grandmother was a huge part of my life. When she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1993, my family did not know where to turn. Thank goodness for the Alzheimer’s Association. We had first become involved with them as the recipient of their services, support and education. When she passed, I wanted to give back by fundraising for the Association and attending events. With the support of my family, I began competing in pageants with a passion to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s.”

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.

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, or contact us at gnjwalks@alz.org for more information.