Co-chairs for Alzheimer's Walk return for another year

For a second year, the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter has named Tara Arthurs and Alycia Sofokles co-chairs of the planning committee for the Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, on the Walkway Over the Hudson.

Arthurs works as claims adjustment specialist at UnitedHealthcare, where she has served as captain of Team UnitedHealthcare/Optum in the Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the past several years. In 2019, she was honored with a UnitedHealthcare Service Hero Award. She has been a member of the walk committee for three years, and has helped with logistics as well as advocacy on state and federal levels.

Arthurs said she is involved with the walk because her family members have been affected by dementia.

“I walk and volunteer because my grandmother passed away in 2000 from Alzheimer’s, my aunt passed away last year from Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD) and my father now has Parkinson’s disease dementia,” she said. “The Alzheimer’s Association has helped me tremendously with all the support and programs they offer, from their care consultations and educational programs to the many caregiver support groups.”

Arthurs said she’s pleased to return as walk co-chair this year.

“I hope to bring more awareness to Alzheimer’s and to advocate for better treatments -- or better yet, a cure. Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease," she said.

Sofokles is retired after a 21-year career with a communications company and has been a community volunteer for more than 15 years. She said she is also glad to return as walk co-chair.

“I am excited to be a part of this organization and hope to educate the community in what services are offered in our area and help raise funds to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and all dementias,” she said.

Sofokles also has a personal connection to Alzheimer's disease.

“I have a very good friend who lost her Mom, and she felt alone -- with nowhere to turn for help or guidance. I believe we can help her and others, and also raise funds to help find a cure so no one has to go through this anymore.”

Both Arthurs and Sofokles will work closely with Dutchess/Ulster Walk Manager Tina Eckert.

About the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event for awareness and helps to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide. For details on the Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer’s, to register or to make a donation, visit WalkwayWalk.org

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer's. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.