Hope continues to bring people together in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. For Maria Yanda, captain of the Optum Memory Marchers at Walk to End Alzheimer’s Tampa, the mission has become profoundly personal.
As a PA (physician assistant) and clinical advisor, Yanda began volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association through her job with Optum.
When her father developed Alzheimer’s, the cause hit home. Since then Yanda has dedicated herself to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research by being a leader of the Optum Tampa team for the Walk. She said her work and family have been extremely supportive.
“It means everything, if you look at my team and people, they’re all my family,” Yanda said. “We put it out there and everybody donated from all over the country, so it’s spreading and I feel so good about that.”
Yanda’s journey into advocacy began with her work in healthcare, where she noticed that 80 percent of her patients were affected by some form of dementia.
“It means a lot to me because of what happened in my own family and most of all my patients,” she said.
Yanda decided to extend her passion from the Alzheimer’s Association and her Optum team by joining forces with her cousin, Tony Gilbert, a professional endurance swimmer living in Arizona.
Five years ago, Gilbert came to Clearwater and traveled to Key West for a swim event, where he spoke to his cousin about his interest in making a difference with his swims. It was then that Yanda connected him with the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Gilbert also has a personal connection to Alzheimer’s, not only through his uncle but with his father-in-law as well. Having witnessed the impact of dementia on loved ones, he understands the struggles faced by families, as well as the need to give to such a noble cause.
“You’re out there in the ocean and it’s not easy, and you think about the stories people tell you about their loved ones and how important this is, and so when you finish a swim sometimes people are just amazed, and we feel this incredible hope.”
Tony Gilbert
Gilbert’s swimming has raised between $120,000 and $160,000 for Alzheimer’s research. Funds raised go towards care, support and research initiatives.
Both Yanda and Gilbert continue to make an impact with fundraising, but also with the gift of honor and remembrance.
“I dedicate each mile of my swim to someone affected by the disease,” said Gilbert. “Before swims we do a sort of prayer for them and I honor their names on my swim cap, which resonates deeply with those who support my cause.”
Together, Yanda and Gilbert focus on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and fostering a sense of community.
Gilbert’s fundraising with the Alzheimer’s Association came through Yanda, and he shares his gratitude of being able to work with the organization, as well as bring honor to people.
“Maria’s a superstar,” he said. “She’s doing incredible work to support caregivers and memory care units. I’m inspired by her dedication.”
Yanda and Gilbert’s story shows the power of family, community, and the spirit in the fight against Alzheimer’s. With every swim Gilbert does, he carries with him the hopes of countless families and their memories, while raising awareness for more money towards a brighter future for everyone touched by Alzheimer’s.
Join them at Walk to End Alzheimer’s Tampa on Sunday, Nov. 3. The event opens at 8 a.m. with a ceremony at 8:45 a.m. The Walk will immediately follow. Register at alz.org/TampaWalk or by calling the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
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