My late grandmother, Genevieve Madden, was a loving, intelligent, and quick-witted woman. Later in her life, she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and when she eventually succumbed to the disease, she was just a shell of her former self. The disease is cruel for those who suffer from it as well as their loved ones who witness the ravages with no way to help. It broke my heart, and with my emotions of helplessness and despair I vowed that I would one day do something significant to raise money for a cure.
I made good on that vow in 2015 by committing to fundraise for Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in memory of my Grandmother before summiting Mont Blanc in France in September. The experience had such a profound impact on me that I decided to fundraise for Alzheimer’s research again before returning to the mountains and climbing Mount Baker in Washington State. Since I started climbing, I have raised over $41,600 for research through Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.
I choose to fundraise for Cure Alzheimer’s Fund because their “business” model is unlike any other. The organization was founded by a small group of successful business people who all had loved ones afflicted with the disease. Out of their frustration with the lack of funding and slow pace of research, they created Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. Using their experience and knowledge in venture capital and corporate start-ups, the founders created this organization with the goal of dramatically accelerating research and finding a cure.
Today, I am back at it. I am again raising funds for Alzheimer’s research in advance of my attempt to climb Mount Rainier, the highest mountain of the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest, with a summit elevation of 14,411 feet. It is also considered to be among the world’s most dangerous volcanic mountains because of its large amounts of glacial ice. I raise money for Alzheimer’s research in honor of my Grandmother and with the hope that no other family has to suffer because of Alzheimer’s disease. I believe that it is important for me to have skin in the game as well. As such, I will personally match all donations dollar for dollar. All contributions are fully tax deductible. The bigger the check I write to match all of your generous donations, the better!
