Why I Walk To End Alzheimer's - Abby Jacobs

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 Abby Jacobs of South Brunswick, a participant in the Middlesex-Mercer Walk To End Alzheimer’s, taking place on Sunday, September 19 at Veterans Park, 2206 Kuser Road in Hamilton Township. "As a participant, Abby walks in her husband’s honor. She truly understands the importance of sharing her story to increase concern and awareness to help move the Association’s mission forward. I am extremely grateful for Abby joining us in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia." said, JoAnne LaPergola, Walk Manager.

Abby’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.

Abby explains, “I walk in memory of my husband, and love of over 42 years, Alan. Our 43rd anniversary would have been this Sept 30. Alan had such a strong work ethic and a zest for life. He taught our kids and grandkids to find their spark in life. We traveled the world together having journeyed to the Holy Land, walked the Great Wall of China, sailed through the Panama Canal, and visited many other destinations. In March 2020, despite Alan’s continuing decline we were in Tulum, Mexico for our daughter Arielle’s wedding. He walked Arielle down the aisle and did the father-daughter dance with her. Unfortunately, after that he declined rapidly. Alan required placement in an assisted living, memory care facility; he eventually developed what is called terminal restlessness, a precursor to requiring hospice. For a few months more, I would hum a tune and Alan would still take my hand for a slow dance. We were at his bedside singing softly as Alan passed peacefully on February 17, 2021. Alan was part of an Alzheimer’s clinical trial at Columbia New York Presbyterian and in his honor and memory, we donated his brain to their ongoing research programs.”

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.