Behind every step, behind every walker, there is a story.  

For Jessica Cimarusti, her Walk4ALZ story began over two decades ago when she first started participating in the walk. 

“I first got involved in the walk after my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I wanted to learn more about resources available and be with others going through the same experience.”   

Jessica’s introduction to the event highlights what lies at the very core of what Walk4ALZ is about.  A community connected by shared experiences coming together to remind each other and those around them that they are not alone. Every year, thousands of Orange County families, friends, neighbors, co-workers and others continue to walk every year because they are inspired by the hope they help fuel, and to honor or remember loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia. 

It’s why Jessica still walks 22 years after getting involved.  

“I walk in memory of my father and all those afflicted by Alzheimer’s.” 

22 years of walking can be measured in many different ways, but for Jessica and for so many others, the moments that stand out the most aren’t always measured in numbers.  

“One particular memory I have is when I was volunteering at the registration desk when the walk was held at Knott’s Berry Farm and a woman came up to me and said, ‘I have Alzheimer’s. I can’t remember who I am, but thank you for being here’, I was so touched that I had tears in my eyes. I walked over to her and gave her a big hug and her husband just smiled. That’s when I realized the impact we have on family members and those diagnosed with this disease.”  

Memories like these are a powerful reminder of the profound power Walk4ALZ has to transform lives and that every person’s support matters.   

The event not only reminds the over 164,000 Orange County residents affected by memory loss that there are others like them, but that there is also an organization that cares about the journey they’re facing and can actually do something to make it better.  

Alzheimer’s Orange County’s family of services provides comprehensive care, support, and education that helps thousands of individuals and families each year—from the moment memory loss becomes a concern, through diagnosis, and throughout every step of their journey.  The organization also takes a proactive approach through its brain health program to help the wider community understand the benefits of reducing their risk and improve cognitive health.  

Here are just a few examples of how every dollar—100% of which stays in Orange County—directly benefits the community: 

  • A free Helpline  
  • Care Consultations 
  • Support Groups 
  • Community Classes & Free Education 
  • Adult day services  
  • Early stage support  
  • Socialization & Art Programs 
  • Memory screenings and brain health programs  
  • Multicultural support in multiple languages 
  • Professional training for healthcare providers and others in the workforce 

There’s no denying that anyone experiencing dementia—and those that care for them—will have their share of challenges that can be difficult to navigate, but Jessica reminds us that Walk4ALZ is as joyous as it is impactful. 

“This is a positive experience for all who attend and not one where you are sad or feel sorry for yourself or your loved one. […] It shows that you are not alone in this journey, and we are there to help. I could have never been able to handle that this disease and all that it entails without the help of Alzheimer’s Orange County.”  

To this day, Jessica cherishes the lessons she’s gained throughout her journey and finds fulfillment in sharing her knowledge with others, including facilitating a support group at the Cypress Senior Center for the past 20 years. 

Check out her team, Together for a Cure, here: https://alzoc.rallybound.org/walk4alz-2025/Team/View/204355/Together-for-a-Cure 

Learn more about the event, donate and sign up here: www.alzoc.org/walk.