David was in his early 50s when he started showing signs of dementia. Initially dismissed by his doctor because of his age, David and his wife Eva had to push to get an official diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Eva shares how she shared the news with their 5-year-old son and how she found support by volunteering for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee in Fresno. David and his youngest son A kind caring man David is a smart, genuine, honest man who cares about helping people. Through his initial career as a social worker, he found that his passion best fit with the changes he c ..read more

When Greg’s sister Sheri was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he and his wife Patti, didn’t have any experience with the disease. They were both surprised to learn how common it was in people who have Down syndrome. Three years later, after Sheri’s death, they wanted to help find a way to end this disease. Through their company, Long Electric, they became sponsors for Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Napa Valley and encourage others to attend this inspiring event. Sheri Silver medal recipient Sheri loved to read, watch television, go on walks and dance. She worked at the same job for 17 years and ..read more

By Anjali Sadarangani After Julie was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), she and her wife, Jane, made an effort to make the best of the situation. Unsure of what to do other than lifestyle changes, they contacted the Alzheimer’s Association for help. Through the Association they were connected to support groups and were asked to speak at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®. Julie’s experience with the Association helped her accept her diagnosis and guided her to educate others about MCI. Jane (left) and Julie (right) Their Love Story’s Beginning Jane and Julie fir ..read more

Markie Hardesty is a longtime volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association®. After spending nearly 15 years volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® she found she was in need of a change. Now, Markie is an advocate for her congressional district in Chico, California. She shares what it’s like to make an impact on health policy through her work and encourages others to join her. Markie (right) and Marie (left) Caring for Grandma Markie Hardesty grew up with not one but two grandparents who lived with dementia. When her maternal grandmother, Marie, was initially diagno ..read more

When Dan Saligner’s dad, Ed, started showing signs of cognitive impairment, Dan and his siblings stepped up to take care of him. It was at around this same time, that Dan suffered a heart attack. After his recovery, Dan found a new perspective on life and took on the duties of caring for his dad full time. Now, Dan shares his caregiving stories on social media and uses his voice to raise awareness and funds for The Longest Day®. Ed and his youngest son Josh Spending time with Dad Ed Salinger was a Podiatrist by profession, but his passion has always been his family. In his younger days, Ed lov ..read more

At the young age of 13, Paula Pov was spending her time at home caring for her Cambodian great grandmother who had dementia. Through this experience, she found her calling. More than 20 years later, Paula helps provide care for older adults at a local care setting in Fresno, California. Paula encourages other members of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to ask for help and use the resources available. Un (left) with her granddaughter and great grandchildren Escaping genocide Un Sao moved from Cambodia to the United States with her adult granddaughter in the 1980s. After surv ..read more

By Kerry Larkey, MSN, RN Each May, the Alzheimer’s Association® joins the community in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Through strong partnerships with local organizations like the ACC Senior Services, the Alzheimer’s Association raises dementia awareness within diverse communities. Dani Lee, program manager at ACC, shares how this collaboration helps her quickly and effectively connect clients to trusted Alzheimer’s disease education and resources while tackling the barriers to diagnosis and treatment that disproportionately affect the AAPI community.&nb ..read more

During his early 20s, Cole spent two years caring for his grandmother who had dementia. It wasn’t until over a decade later, while caring for his mother, who now has dementia, that he learned about the Alzheimer’s Association® and the services they offer. While attending both support groups and education programs, Cole found himself to not only be one of the few men in attendance but also the only Black man. Cole shares why he looks forward to attending the support group, and hopes more Black men will join him. Patricia Someone to talk to Patricia was an avid reader who would prefer to pick up ..read more

When Michelle Campos, the owner of Campos Family Vineyards, saw her friend, Heather, struggling under the weight of caring for her mother who had Alzheimer’s, she knew she had to step in. Michelle helped Heather by spending time with Heather’s mom, Sylvia, and giving Heather much needed breaks. Despite Sylvia’s death in 2023, Michelle continues to honor her by dedicating the proceeds of this year’s Mother’s Day Rosé 5K run towards The Longest Day®. Heather (left) and Sylvia (right) Moving mom to California Sylvia was an outgoing woman who took care of anyone in need. She loved the elderly, put ..read more

By Sharon Squires Stan Wong’s parents both had developed cognitive impairment issues. While his mother’s cognitive issues were brought on by stroke his father’s were not. Stan was unable to get a diagnosis for his father, which took its toll on Stan and his mental health began to suffer. Through the help of a dementia support group, Stan was able to find connection and support. Today, Stan volunteers in several ways with the Alzheimer’s Association in hopes of helping others. Stan (top), Bing (left) and May (right)Personal Story Stan Wong proudly identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian ..read more