Why We Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Ben and Hannah Kluft

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 participating in the Walk To End Alzheimer’s—the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Today, we say thank you to Hannah Kluft and her brother, Ben, of Livingston, for, together with their family and friends, raising more than $17,000 towards the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Northwest.

The Kluft family launched their Walk team this year in honor of their grandfather, Jerry Kluft, who was diagnosed with dementia before his passing in 2023. Of her decision to start the Walk team, Hannah says, “I wanted to do something special to remember 'Pop Pop Muscles'. I set up our family's Walk to End Alzheimer's team to help other families. No one should have to lose anyone to this terrible disease. I was really surprised, and grateful, for how fast the donations came in—we raised close to $18,000 in our first year of Walking!”

The funds raised by the Kluft family’s effort, and the funds raised by others in support of the Walk, helps propel the Association’s mission forward - accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

"It was incredible to see the Kluft’s, with their family, friends, and others in their network, come together to support Jerry and the Walk. We are so thankful for the dedication and passion of this group—particularly in their first time taking part in the Northwest Walk,” said Kevin Roman, Walk Manager, Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter. “Not only did they raise an incredible amount, but each conversation that had and person they connected with really helped to raise awareness within the community.”

Jerry and his wife, Wilma, had three children and four grandchildren. Professionally, Jerry, spent more than 5 decades practicing law before his retirement in 1997. Having always been interested in health and fitness, Jerry looked at his retirement as a time to do something new—in his 60s he decided to take up a new hobby: powerlifting. In fact, at age 66, Jerry was featured in Sports Illustrated, for his incredible feat of bench-pressing 336 pounds, breaking the 65-69 age-group World Natural Powerlifting Federation record for his weight-class.

“Pop Pop was really outgoing & funny,” said Ben. “He was an athlete in his younger years, and decided to become a professional body builder…in his retirement!” Ben added, ‘It was hard to watch him slowly slip away from us.”

Jerry’s son, Andrew, recounts seeing a gradual decline in his father’s cognitive function, first noticing the changes when the pair went on a father/son trip. It was difficult to see, as Ben noted. Andrew shares, “my dad was a man who, when he walked into the room, lit the room up. He had a very big personality and loved to joke around with people—he was a very caring and loving man.” In fact, Andrew reflects on a story of his dad’s kindness, when he helped a young couple who were looking to buy their first home:. Andrew says, “when my parents were selling their house in Rockland County, a young couple wanted to buy it as their starter house. They ask my father if he could do anything on the price of the house, and Jerry told the couple that he and his wife were once in their position, starting their life and looking to purchase their own first home. Understanding their journey, Jerry reduced the price of the house, so this young couple could afford it and make the house their home.” This is just one example of the kind of person Jerry was throughout his life.

Cheryl Ricci-Francione, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter said, “Hannah, Ben and their dad, Andrew, are really making a difference in the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s, not only in their fundraising, but in their clear passion for our mission, and to do more to raise awareness and support those in the community. The Kluft family truly understands and appreciates how important it is to give others help, and hope.”

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.

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