United for a Cause Alzheimer’s Association Kickoff at the Queen Mary

Something truly meaningful happened recently aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach. It wasn’t just the backdrop of an iconic ship or the sea breeze coming off the harbor it was the feeling of togetherness. People showed up with a shared sense of purpose, united by the impact that Alzheimer’s disease has had on their lives, their families, or their communities. The kickoff event, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, set the tone for what’s ahead this season. It reminded everyone that while this disease is devastating, it’s also deeply personal and there’s power in coming together to do something about it.

Alzheimer’s is one of those things that quietly touches so many households. Whether someone is currently caring for a loved one, has experienced the long goodbye of memory loss in their family, or simply wants to see progress in brain health and aging this disease is more common than most people think. The numbers are growing, and the emotional toll is heavy, but events like this show that people aren’t backing down from the challenge.

What made the kickoff special wasn’t just the speeches or the purple everywhere (though that always adds something symbolic). It was the stories real people sharing what brought them there, what keeps them fighting, and how hopeful they are about new research and early detection tools finally getting closer to reality. And science really is moving. There’s exciting talk around blood tests for early diagnosis and experimental treatments that may help slow things down, even before symptoms show. That kind of progress brings hope to a lot of people who’ve been waiting a long time for a breakthrough.

Now the attention turns to what’s coming next: the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Long Beach walk is happening on October 26, and just a couple weeks later, Irvine’s walk is set for November 9. Both events will carry the same spirit families, friends, and entire communities walking not just to raise money, but to raise awareness. Everyone has their reason for showing up. Some walk in memory of someone they’ve lost, others walk for someone still fighting, and some walk for their own future. No matter the reason, every step matters.

These walks feel less like charity events and more like gatherings of quiet strength. You see little kids holding signs, people wearing matching shirts, caregivers pushing wheelchairs, and volunteers cheering from the sidelines. There’s a heaviness to it, but also a lot of hope.

It’s not about grand gestures. Sometimes just showing up and being present is enough. Whether someone decides to walk in Long Beach, Irvine, or just take a moment to learn a little more about the disease, it all counts. The more people talk about Alzheimer’s, the more we start to chip away at the stigma and misunderstanding around it.

So as October and November roll in, those walks will happen rain or shine. And while they may only last a morning, what they stand for continues all year long connection, support, and a slow but steady push toward something better.

One of the things that often gets overlooked in conversations about Alzheimer’s is how isolating it can feel for both the person diagnosed and the people around them. That’s where organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association make such a huge difference. They aren’t just funding research or putting together events; they’re creating a sense of connection for people who might otherwise feel completely alone in what they’re going through.

It’s in the phone calls to the 24/7 helpline when someone doesn’t know what to do next. It’s in the support groups where caregivers swap stories, advice, and sometimes just vent. It’s in the educational workshops that explain the difference between normal forgetfulness and something more serious. These resources might not sound flashy, but they matter a lot. When a family is overwhelmed, when decisions are piling up, or when emotions are running high, having a place to turn can make all the difference.

And then there’s the emotional side of it something just as important as the practical support. Events like the kickoff on the Queen Mary, or the upcoming Walks in Long Beach and Irvine, are about more than fundraising. They give people a chance to look around and realize they’re not alone. Whether someone is ten years into caregiving or just starting to navigate a new diagnosis, there’s comfort in meeting others on the same path. That kind of connection can’t be bought or measured. It has to be built and that’s exactly what organizations like this do.

They bring together science, support, and humanity in a way that truly changes lives. Because as much as Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain, it’s also a disease that affects the heart and healing, in any form, starts with community.