Woman honors her father's memory by co-chairing walk committee

The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter welcomes Siobhan O’Grady of Nanuet back to its Rockland County Walk to End Alzheimer’s planning committee as co-committee chair this year. She previously served as committee chair in 2016 and 2017.

Siobhan O'Grady believes it is the perfect way to give back and honor her father, John O’Grady, who died from the disease in 2013.

“I saw first-hand the effects this disease can have on not only the individual diagnosed, but also on their loved ones,” Siobhan O’Grady said. “It is an honor to an advocate for this life-altering disease. Hopefully one day we will see a cure.”

John O’Grady was diagnosed with dementia after having a quintuple bypass following a heart attack in 2009. The surgery accelerated the progress of his dementia. Before it happened, her family was unaware that he had he had dementia.

“Now, knowing the symptoms of the disease, I can see that he had dementia well before his diagnosis,” Siobhan O’Grady said. “He got into a few fender-benders and sometimes had difficulty differentiating his left from his right. In the moment, it can be hard to see that anything is wrong.”

After his diagnosis, Siobhan O’Grady and her sister urged their mother to attend Alzheimer’s Association support groups.

“My mother was hesitant at first, but once she began going, it helped her immensely,” she recalled. “She made some really strong relationships going to the meetings. They still get together for dinner every once in a while.”

Now due to COVID-19, all Alzheimer’s Association support groups are being held either by phone or virtually. Details about the groups offered by the Hudson Valley Chapter is available at alz.org/hudsonvalley or by calling the 24/7 Association’s Helpline at 800.272.3900.

John O’Grady was able to attend a walk in 2011 with her family. She said he was not very alert during the walk, but that it was a special day for her family. It was the only walk he was able to attend.

Siobhan O'Grady has been a team captain and served on the walk committee since 2011. Her team, Team O’Grady, has raised more than $150,000 for the disease over the time they have participated in the walks. To join Team O’Grady or make a donation, visit www.teamogrady.com

This year’s Rockland County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, set to start at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, will be different than previous years. While the event normally draws large crowds to Boulder Stadium, steps are being taken to protect the health and safety of participants and volunteers. There will be no large gatherings. Instead, participants will walk at various locations in their communities with their teams or family members. To register, visit RocklandWalk.org

About the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

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 leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia.Visit alz.org.