By Maddison Rametta
Todd Jones is the Vice President of Ambulatory Experience and Laboratory Services with BayCare and a volunteer leader for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in Pinellas County, serving as Co-Chair of the Executive Committee for Walk.
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.
Mr. Jones recently answered a few questions about his involvement in the fight to end Alzheimer’s.
How has Alzheimer’s impacted your life? I have had two close family members and friends who have had Alzheimer’s. These individuals declined slowly over time and lost connection with everyone and everything they knew and loved. The impact it has on the person living with the disease and those that love them is so painful.
What made you decide to volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s? While strides have been made to end Alzheimer’s, more research and funding is needed to educate the public, provide resources to caregivers, develop treatments and ultimately find a cure. Besides it being personal, we all have a responsibility to each other and this is way I can help.
How do you hope to support your community as a volunteer? By participating and connecting with my family, friends, co-workers and others in the community, I can help to raise the funds necessary to support the mission to end Alzheimer’s.
Why should someone sign up for Walk to End Alzheimer’s? Everyone is not able to contribute funds, but everyone can help to raise awareness. By walking, we are building community. This translates to serving and supporting the cause. Others will join in and those that can contribute will.
How can someone get involved in Walk to End Alzheimer’s? This is probably the easiest step. By going to the website, joining a walk, participating in the many events sponsored by the Alzheimer’s association. There are endless ways one can help.
What’s your favorite thing to do in your community? What do you like most about your community? My favorite thing is experiencing what the community has to offer. Tampa Bay’s culture supports just about anything you could be interested in. I would say the bike trails and community events are my favorite things to do. What I like most is that our communities are so diverse. There are people from all over the world here in Tampa Bay and that leads to the rich culture with food, music and festivals.
Are you participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s? Here’s how YOU can add your flower to the fight to #ENDALZ:
✔️ Register at alz.org/flgulfcoast/walk.
💰 Start fundraising and spread the word! We’ll provide tips & coaching every step of the way.
👟 Join us on Walk day.
