Why I Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Maeghan Scott

The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter (AAGNJ) 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 2023 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 Maeghan Scott who walked to honor her grandmother, Sophia. Maeghan and her team, Right at Home of Essex County, a sponsor of the Walk, have raised more than $2,000 so far. The Essex-Hudson-Union Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place on Sunday, November 5 at South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange. Maeghan is team captain and a Grand Champion. Her efforts are ongoing as participation and fundraising continue through December 31.

Maeghan’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, help to propel the Association’s mission forward - accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

“Community partners like Maeghan are the change drivers. The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter (AAGNJ) is committed to collaborating with our community partners to create a safety net around those impacted by dementia", said chapter executive director, Cheryl Ricci-Francione. "We provide a vast array of resources and educational programs to New Jersey residents, all at no cost. We are able to provide these services due to the generous support of our donors and corporate sponsors like Maeghan and Right at Home of Essex County."

Maeghan explains, “I walk because of my grandmother, Sophia, who lived with Alzheimer's disease for many years. We watched as she changed from a capable, independent person to someone who required help with activities of daily living such as dressing and eating. It was heartbreaking, especially for my dad and aunt who cherished their mother so much. As a direct result of this experience, my dad became the owner of Right at Home of Essex County, a homecare franchise that I now own and operate. We see many of our clients and their family members struggle through the various stages of all forms of dementia including Alzheimer's and want to do our part to end this disease. My grandmother's portrait hangs in our office today as a tribute to her and all those who have an Alzheimer's story.”

Walk Manager, Kevin Roman adds, "We've been lucky to work with Maeghan and are thankful for her leadership on our Essex-Hudson-Union Walk committee. Maeghan truly understands the difficulty of those affected by dementia and their caregivers, and together we help to bring awareness and support to families still grappling with the disease."

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 272,000 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.