Why I Walk To End Alzheimer's - Nicole Klinzing

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 upcoming 2021 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 Nicole Klinzing of Midland Park, a participant and Logistics subcommittee member for the Bergen-Passaic Walk To End Alzheimer’s, taking place on Sunday, October 17 at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park. Nicole’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.

“Almost 20 years ago when I started working in my first assisted living community, I began partnering with the Alzheimer's Association. I held multiple fundraising events and emphasized to others the importance of raising awareness. My eldest daughter, Kayla, volunteered and spent time with my residents. Years later, she formed a strong desire to work for the Alzheimer's Association and now she is the Walk Manager for the event I have participated in for many years.” explains Nicole.

“I am incredibly proud to have passed my passion for helping find a cure for Alzheimer’s to my daughter and to now be fighting alongside her. Sharing the vision of the Alzheimer's Association – a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia - has made me even more determined to be a top fundraiser each year. I will continue to fundraise and set higher goals for myself until that vision is realized.”

"Not many people are able to identify their 'dream job' at such a young age. My Mom is the reason why I am so passionate about working for the Alzheimer's Association. Spending countless hours with her residents, particularly those with dementia, created a desire to want to help in any way possible. Witnessing how everyone affected by the diagnosis - those living with the disease, as well as their caregivers and families - made me realize much more needed to be done. Having our two professional worlds align makes us a great team and I am so blessed that I can work alongside my mom in the fight to end Alzheimer’s." said, Kayla Klinzing, Walk Manager.

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 347,000 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.