How Lyle Fogarty is “Making Waves for a Cure”

By Josephine Cioffero

For Lyle Fogarty, Tampa’s Inspire, Imagine & Hope Gala is a family affair.

He’s attended and supported the Gala with his wife and siblings for years. He lost his mother, Julie, to Alzheimer’s disease in 2023, and his father, Eugene, is currently living with it. Now, he’s stepped into the role of Co-Chair for the 2026 Gala, motivated by how his parents dedicated themselves to giving back to the community. 

“My parents were the most excellent examples of being active in a community and to do what you can with your resources and talents,” Lyle said. “This is one way I can honor them and thank them for that example.”

Lyle knew something was wrong when he slowly started noticing changes in his parents’ personalities and behavior. Eugene, for example, asked him how to get back home after a night out to dinner – the home he had lived in for 50 years and was only 3 miles from the restaurant. His parents began seeing a doctor without his or his siblings’ knowledge, where they were later called in for the diagnosis: Alzheimer’s disease.

Even when you see the signs, the differences, you’re still blindsided by the news, he said. The years since have been filled by sticking together through the battle against the disease and relying on family through the difficult days. Eugene even participated in a medical study, where he had a 50/50 chance of receiving a trial drug for Alzheimer’s.

“Knowing that he had a 50% chance of getting the placebo (we found out after two years he was, in fact, receiving the placebo), he said, ‘Well, I may not be helping myself, but I’ll be helping you and others in the future,’” Lyle said. “Likewise, the Association is an investment in the future as much as it is a resource for today.”

The theme of this year’s Gala is “Making Waves for a Cure,” which Lyle compared to how society approaches the discussion of Alzheimer’s.

“This is a disease that impacts almost everyone in some capacity, but it is not discussed as openly,” he said. “Talking about it openly raises awareness and helps bring attention to existing research and the additional research that is needed to help manage and cure Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”

Events like the Inspire, Imagine & Hope Gala unite those who understand the impact of Alzheimer’s. You’re surrounded by people who find time to celebrate and experience joy amid the hardship, he said, describing the gala as cathartic and an opportunity to show up for people who are going through the same struggle that you are.

“The gala is a time to celebrate the progress being made and to continue to raise awareness,” he said. “Whereas there are always some tears because this is a heavy topic, it will be a largely joyful occasion as we show up for one another.”

Join us at the 2026 Inspire, Imagine & Hope Gala for an evening of community and celebration as we raise awareness and support for the Alzheimer’s Association. The event is March 27 at The Gathering at Armature Works in Tampa. There will even be a live auction, featuring a Paella Party for 50, donated by Lyle, his wife, his sister and his brother-in-law, among other prizes. For information on tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more, visit AlzTampaGala.org.