Southern Delaware Walk to End Alzheimer’s Honors Loved Ones, Raises $145,000 (and still counting) for Care and Research

430 Walkers at Grove Park in Milford for Shouthern Delaware Walk to End Alzheimer’s

REHOBOTH BEACH — October 4, 2025 — More than 430 walkers turned Grove Park into a sea of color during the Southern Delaware Walk to End Alzheimer’s, gathering in solidarity to honor loved ones and support the ongoing fight against dementia. The annual event, organized by the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter, has raised more than $145,000 so far, funding local care programs and national research toward better treatments and a cure.

The morning began with the Promise Garden Ceremony, a moving tribute where participants held flowers in colors symbolizing their personal connection to the disease—blue for those living with Alzheimer’s, yellow for caregivers, purple for those who have lost someone, and orange for supporters of the cause.

A Family’s 23-Year Journey of Love and Advocacy

For Milford residents Stephanie and Don McDonough, this event has been a family tradition for more than two decades. They launched Team Walking for Blanche in 2002 in honor of Don’s mother, Blanche, long before the event became known as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Over the years, the McDonoughs and their three children have made the Rehoboth walk an annual ritual of remembrance and advocacy.

“We know this is such an important effort,” said Stephanie McDonough. “So many people are impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We need to be out there creating awareness, advocating, raising funds, and staying informed.”

This year’s walk carried extra emotional weight for the family. Stephanie’s husband, Don, was diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer’s in March and passed away just two months later at age 85. In a bittersweet turn, Don benefited from a new FDA-cleared blood test—one of the very diagnostic advances made possible by the research that the McDonough family had supported for years.

Turning Pain into Purpose

For Sonja Brown, of Dover, the journey has been both personal and educational. Her husband, James Brown, a retired Command Sergeant Major and veteran of both the Vietnam War and Desert Storm, began showing subtle changes several years ago—losing interest in cooking, sports, and social activities.

“Little things were changing, but those little things started adding up to a lot,” Sonja recalled. “My husband is one of eight children. At his 75th birthday, he didn’t interact the way he normally would. He told me, ‘something’s wrong.’”

Now an Alzheimer’s Association community educator, Sonja shares her story at Delaware State University, Delta Sigma Theta events, and local churches to help others recognize early signs and seek help. “People of color sometimes ignore the warning signs or simply don’t have access to services,” she said. “We need to reach diverse communities with messages of education, hope, and help.”

Continuing the Fight

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s unites families like the McDonoughs and Browns with thousands across the state working toward a shared vision: a world without Alzheimer’s. Fundraising for the Southern Delaware Walk to End Alzheimer’s continues through December 31, and donations can be made at alz.org/walk.

By the Numbers: Alzheimer’s in Delaware

• 7 million+ Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease nationwide.

• Nearly 12 million family members and friends provide unpaid care.

• In Delaware, more than 22,300 residents live with Alzheimer’s, supported by 32,000+ caregivers across the state.

Staff Writer

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