Co-chairs named for the Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter has appointed Tara Arthurs Chair and Alycia Sofokles Co-Chair of the Planning Committee for the Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer’s to be held Saturday, Oct.19, on the Walkway over the Hudson.

Arthurs works as an auditor of claims operations at UnitedHealthcare, where she has served as captain of Team UnitedHealthcare/Optum in the Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the past three years. She has also been a member of the walk committee for two years, and has helped with logistics as well as advocacy on state and federal levels.

Arthurs said she is motivated to participate in the walk because of her family members who have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

“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 Lewy Body 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 excited to be a walk 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.

A community volunteer for more than 15 years, Sofokles said she is also eager to join the team as walk co-chair.

“I am looking forward to helping bring awareness to not only the disease, but to the programs giving support to caregivers,” she said.

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

“I have a very good friend who lost her Mom recently, 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.

Two walk kickoff events are scheduled for the Dutchess/Ulster Walk, the first from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, at the Joyce-Schirick VFW at 708 E. Chester St., Kingston. The second will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, at the Alzheimer’s Association office at 2649 South Road, Suite 101, in Poughkeepsie. To register for either event, contact Walk Manager Tina Eckert at tmeckert@alz.org or 845.471.2619

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.