More than 700 Queens residents gathered for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Saturday, Oct. 26.
This year’s walk, which relocated to the iconic venue, raised nearly $80,000 to fund Alzheimer’s care, research, and support programs.
The event drew special attention as Collette V. Smith, the first Black woman on an NFL coaching staff and a Forest Hills resident, took the stage as emcee. Smith, who lost her mother to Alzheimer’s, spoke poignantly to the crowd, underscoring her personal commitment to the cause. “It was a heartbreaking journey, not just for her, but for us, too,” Smith shared. “I miss you, mom. We are here today in memory of my mom and in the hopes that no other family will endure the pain that we did.”
The Walk honored not only those who have been affected by Alzheimer’s but also the growing number of residents living with the disease. Among the attendees was former New York City Council member and longtime Queens advocate Jimmy Van Bramer. With family and friends by his side, Van Bramer led Team Mom, marching in memory of his mother, Elizabeth, who passed away from Alzheimer’s earlier this year. Before leading the crowd through the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park route, Van Bramer helped cut the start line ribbon, signaling the beginning of the Walk.
“Losing our beloved mother this past July 23 after her long fight with vascular dementia was devastating for me and my family,” Van Bramer shared. “But our mother always taught us to help others, and I believe she would have been proud to see her kids, grandchildren, and even three of her great-grandchildren turn our pain into purpose and raise money to end Alzheimer’s.”
“This community has shown up today, just as we all show up every day for our loved ones,” he continued. “This Walk is not only about honoring those we’ve lost but fighting for those who still face this battle every day.”
The event’s impact extended beyond just one day, shedding light on the state’s growing Alzheimer’s population. With more than 426,000 residents affected, New York holds the second-highest Alzheimer’s rate in the country, and Queens alone is home to over 51,700 individuals diagnosed with the disease.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee, chaired by Kate Heege and co-chaired by Melissa Warten, worked alongside volunteers Maleni Alvarez, Kimberly Columbo, Nicole Devita, Michelle Fredericks, and Siri Kostanyan to organize the event, with support from sponsor Main Street Radiology. Donations for the Queens Walk are accepted through Dec. 31 at http://act.alz.org/queenswalk, with proceeds going directly to Alzheimer’s research and support services.
“This day embodies hope and resilience,” Heege noted. “Every step taken and dollar raised brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.”
