By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–Alzheimer’s San Diego Walk4ALZ raised $450,000 to support local residents and families affected by dementia, helping provide vital resources and services throughout the community.
Unlike many awareness walks, Walk4ALZ registration was completely free and open to all, and every dollar raised by fundraising teams and individual walkers stays in San Diego County. Before and after the walk, participants enjoyed a festival area with live music, activities for kids, adults, and dogs, health and wellness booths, and resource tables.
The event mascot, Charlie, led walk teams to the starting line for the official countdown and step-off. Volunteers cheered walkers along the 2.75-mile route through Balboa Park, handing out water, playing music, and displaying signs and keepsakes honoring individuals and families affected by dementia. Supporters who couldn’t make it to Balboa Park also took part remotely, walking in their own neighborhoods throughout Walk4ALZ weekend and sharing their online fundraising pages to collect donations from family, friends, and community members.
The team that raised the most funds at the 2026 Walk4ALZ was “The Men Remember,” which raised more than $112,451. A top fundraising team for years, “The Men Remember” is an all-male support group with Alzheimer’s San Diego, with each member caring for his spouse living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Team members represent neighborhoods throughout San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, and Santee, as well as San Diego neighborhoods such as Bay Park, El Cerrito, La Jolla, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, and Rancho Bernardo.
Returning teams also stood out, including a team from Wesley Palms in Pacific Beach, which raised more than $25,410, and “Team Encanto,” which surpassed its fundraising goal with more than $9,641.
“Walk4ALZ is our biggest fundraiser of the year, so it’s about being able to continue providing all of our free services to the community,” says Alzheimer’s San Diego president and CEO Eugenia L. Welch. “But it’s also a great day where people come together, and everyone here understands what Alzheimer’s means and how it affects a family. It’s a great way to be with people who know what you’re going through and feel that camaraderie.”
Longtime participant Greg Gould, a resident of Jamul, and his team, “Dignity for ALZ,” have walked every year since Alzheimer’s San Diego became an independent nonprofit, raising more than $18,664 this year and more than $100,000 over the past decade in honor of his late wife, Debi, who lived with Alzheimer’s and became an outspoken advocate against dementia stigma.
On race day, Gould again returned to Balboa Park with his team for another year of walking in Debi’s honor. “We have a lot of fun. It’s a great group of people and a wonderful venue in Balboa Park,” he said. “And you’re supporting an organization that has helped tens of thousands of people over the years and will continue to do so.”
Although the Walk4ALZ is over, there’s still time to donate through December 1.
More than 100,000 people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia in San Diego County, a number expected to grow to 115,000 by 2030, and an estimated 300,000 unpaid friends and family members are caring for them. Alzheimer’s is the fifth leading cause of death in California.
For 10 years, Alzheimer’s San Diego has been the only local nonprofit dedicated to supporting people affected by all types of dementia, not just Alzheimer’s, and their care partners throughout San Diego County. Because the organization is completely independent of national groups, 100% of every dollar stays in San Diego, allowing it to respond quickly to local needs.
All proceeds from Walk4ALZ will benefit Alzheimer’s San Diego’s free programs and services, including social activities, family consultations, and support groups.
