Cure Alzheimer's Fund: Targeting Breakthrough Research

As a nationally recognized expert in planned giving and family philanthropy, Charles Collier has worked with hundreds of individuals and families to help them shape their philanthropy, make tax-wise gift decisions and deal with family issues surrounding financial wealth. Formerly the senior philanthropic adviser at Harvard University for 25 years, Collier also has held development positions at Princeton, Brown, Andover and Dartmouth.

With a surge of baby boomers hitting retirement age, everyone seems to know someone who has been affected by Alzheimer’s disease. But Bob DeMarco, a former Wall Street entrepreneur turned at-home Alzheimer’s caregiver for his mother, has taken his experience one step further.

The 7 Summits Climb for Alzheimer's: Memories are Everything is a year-long challenge by mountain climber and Alzheimer's disease advocate Alan Arnette to scale the 7 Summits, the highest peaks on each continent. Alan climbs in memory of his mother, who passed away in 2009 from Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, with another person newly diagnosed every 70 seconds. It is estimated to affect more than 5 million people in the United States and more than 25 million people worldwide. That's why Alan chose to climb the 7 Summits to raise awareness of the impact of this debilitating disease and $1 million to advance Alzheimers research as it is his hope that scientists can find a way to slow or stop Alzheimer's disease.

Alan Arnette is headed back to the mountains, this time planning to climb the highest peak on each continent while raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research.

We first introduced you to Alan Arnette back in 2007 when he embarked upon an adventure he called “The Road Back to Mount Everest: Memories are Everything.” He spent the yearlong journey climbing 5 of the world’s highest mountains to raise money for Cure Alzheimer’s Fund -- and we couldn’t be more thankful!

But Alan isn’t done yet and this time his sights are set on an even bigger goal -- climbing the world’s biggest mountains to raise $1 million for Alzheimer’s research!

Many thanks to all who competed in the third annual Hay Harbor Tennis Tournament, and a special thanks to Diana Fiske for her organizational work and to the Hay Harbor Tennis Club.

Maria Pugliese is running the Buenos Aires marathon October 11 in support of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.

“My grandmother suffers from the disease and every day is a challenge for her and those around her,” Maria says. “As genetics plays a key role in the disease, it is likely that this will continue to affect my family. I want to do everything possible to try and advance the research so fewer and fewer people suffer.”

Students at the College of New Jersey got more than candy for Halloween. Dressed in their costumes, the Psychology club raised over $1500 for Cure Alzheimer’s Fund to support breakthrough research to find a cure.

Sweta Shah, a psychology major from Toms River, NJ explained; “The Psych club decided to support Alzheimer's research as a community service type activity, which we have never done before. I suggested Alzheimer's because it is linked to neuroscience and psychology and also because my grandmother passed away less than a year ago after a two year struggle with Alzheimer's disease. My grandmother moved to America in order to help my parents raise me, so she was a really big part of my life and when she got sick I realized just how important she was to me. So, instead of focusing on how much I'm going to miss her, I decided that I wanted to somehow make a difference for others who have Alzheimer's.”

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund is grateful for this creative initiative. Special thanks to Sweta Shah and Elizabeth Beck and the entire club for their work. If you’re interested in hosting a fundraiser for Cure Alzheimer's Fund, please let us know and we’ll provide all the support we can. These efforts are very much appreciated!

Alan Arnette began this journey, his Road Back to Everest: Memories are Everything Campaign in June 2007 with a climb on Denali in Alaska. His adventures are more then just mountaineering excursions as this quest also involves trying to raise $100,000 for Alzheimer’s disease research.

Jessica Lavorgna, age 11, from Tewksbury, NJ is raising money for Cure Alzheimer’s Fund for her 6th grade class project.