Supporters Like You

As a Cure Alzheimer’s Fund supporter, you can create a true, lasting difference in the world with a gift that makes an impact now, or a gift that will create your enduring legacy of eliminating Alzheimer’s disease. Working together, we can relieve the physical, emotional and financial burden of the illness for millions of people throughout the world.

There are many ways to be a part of the solution to find a cure. It is through your support that we continue to move closer to understanding Alzheimer’s disease – and finding a cure.

KAREN FRIEND

“My connection to Alzheimer’s disease is a very personal one. My late husband Jake, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in his 40s, died in 2016 at the age of 60. Jake had been an engineer, semi-professional drummer and athlete. He was a kind soul loved by many. The disease ravaged his brain and body, but never his spirit.

“I am a researcher in public health who believes the way out of this disease is through research that finds treatments and cures. The more we understand, and the faster empirical findings come to light, the quicker we can end the need for wonderful organizations like Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. I appreciate the dedication and out-of-the-box thinking that has characterized the work of this amazing organization. The findings that have come from Cure Alzheimer’s Fund scientists are nothing short of remarkable. In addition, their consistent, year-over-year 4-star rating in Charity Navigator provides assurance that the money I donate is going directly to supporting the cause to which I am donating.”

Carolyn mastrangelo

For 15 glorious years, Carolyn Mastrangelo organized Running 4 Answers—a family-friendly event that included a 5k race and a 2 mile walk. Hundreds of runners and walkers came together each spring to raise awareness and funds to support Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. In total, she raised more than $500,000 in important research dollars.

“Alzheimer’s affected my family like it has thousands of others. My mom started having Alzheimer’s symptoms around age 54, a year younger than I am now. In an effort to ‘do something,’ ‘Running 4 Answers, a Race Against Alzheimer’s’ was created. That’s the thing about Alzheimer’s—there isn’t much ‘to do.’ There aren’t a lot of appointments or treatments to try. Alzheimer’s leaves you watching your loved one fade away piece by piece. Slowly. This 5K race and 2-mile walk gave not just me, but a whole community, a way to show support, [and] raise money and awareness of this sad, devastating disease. I can’t thank Cure Alzheimer’s Fund enough for their support and unending dedication to finding a way to slow, stop or reverse Alzheimer’s. While this event may have ended in 2024, my work with them will continue.” 

Glenn Caffery

We are endlessly inspired by the ordinary people doing extraordinary things to end Alzheimer’s. One man in particular, Glenn Caffery has ran thousands of miles in support of our work. In the Summer of 2011, Glenn Caffery set out to run across the country in memory of his father, Dick Caffery, who had endured a brave, lengthy battle with the disease. Averaging about 50 miles a day, he made it from Seaside Oregon to Westerly, Rhode Island, in about three months. In 2024, he initiated AlzRun, an ultra-distance trail run (all runs are at least 26 miles, most are longer!) in all 50 states. Through social media and his network, he invited others to join him follow his progress along the way.

He shares, “The moment my dad told me he had Alzheimer’s is seared into who I am—he was in his mid-50’s…AlzRun is a reminder that there is something I can do with my grief and worry.”

Watch this video to see a recap of his 2024 AlzRun event.

TY and SARAH NEWELL

“Grandparents on both sides of our family were touched with the disease. The gradual loss of memory, independence and identity left a mark on our families. Witnessing the pain our parents experienced, compounded with our fear of how our own parents may be impacted by the disease, pushed us to want to find ways to help.

“We decided that putting dollars directly toward research efforts to combat the condition would help drive measurable change and provide us with a front-row seat to the latest academia and industry knowledge.

While a cure would be the ultimate ‘win,’ we are also hopeful that in the short term, research will provide some ‘quick wins’ in terms of better prevention and earlier opportunities for screening/monitoring/intervention, etc., that can immediately improve the lives of those impacted by the disease. These wins could mean years of additional time for families to be together. Having our own young children and family, prevention and early intervention is a key area for us so we can make sure to do all we can.”

BOB WELLMAN

“I chose to support CureAlz because I know that every penny I donate will be disbursed in grants and not used for operating expenses. That’s unique. Moreover, CureAlz is transparent about where the money goes. The caliber of scientists supported is top tier, and the research is vitally important and urgently needed.

“I donate in honor of my wife, who died of Alzheimer’s at age 77 after a decade of declining function. Mary was a brilliant psychologist, educator, clinician and researcher. She was also warm, caring, fiercely loyal to friends, and both subtly and overtly funny. Watching those capacities fade far too early prompts me to support efforts to ensure that others might not need to endure such losses.

“I’m supporting CureAlz in two ways: (1) direct annual contributions of the required minimum distribution from my IRA, and (2) beneficiary designation from retirement accounts. This is, by far, my most important charitable contribution. I urge anyone who has been personally touched by Alzheimer’s to support CureAlz. You’ll be glad you did!”