Why I Walk To End Alzheimer’s: Moira Smith

The Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter is spotlighting people and organizations who are making a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia, by participating in the 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 Moira Smith of Sewell and Sea Isle City, NJ, who walks to honor both of her sisters-in-law, who passed from Alzheimer’s. Moira is a Champion member, and captain of, Team Give a Shuck for Alzheimer’s, having raised more than $700. The 2022 South Jersey Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s, took place on Saturday, October 22 at Ocean City Civic Center and Field, on the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ, but participation and fundraising continues through December 31. Moira’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.

"We are very excited to have Moira, and Team Give a Shuck for Alzheimer’s, join us in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. As chair of the Executive Leadership Committee, Moira and her team are raising awareness and funds on behalf of all New Jerseyans living with Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Moira, a member of the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce, has secured several new sponsors for the South Jersey Shore WTEA. She hosts an event called Give a Shuck for Alzheimer's and also helps with Go Green for Alzheimer's" said, Shannon Kappre, Walk Manager, Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter.

Moira explains, “I walk to honor both of my sisters-in-law, and because I want to help raise the funds needed to find a cure for Alzheimer's. Working with the Alzheimer’s Association, I am able to do my part to help make the event a success and hopefully bring us one step closer to achieving that goal.”

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 or donate at https://bit.ly/3F4PT8o. Contact Shannon Kappre at sykappre@alz.org for more information.