Walk4ALZ 2026 Photos + Recap

Walk4ALZ Recap

What a spectacular day! On Saturday, October 17, San Diegans from every corner of the county came together to participate in Walk4ALZ 2026. More than 700 walkers gathered to honor those we have lost to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, offer strength and resilience to those currently affected, and raise critical funds to keep the critical programs at Alzheimer’s San Diego free and accessible until a cure is found.

Walk4ALZ 2026 kicked off with inspirational and moving words from community members including author and caregiver Greg Gould, Sheriff Kelly Martinez from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, and KUSI anchor Phil Blauer. Then, none other than our Walk4ALZ Pet Mascot, Charlie, met the Walkers under the start banner to lead this year’s walk. Enthusiastic volunteers cheered on Charlie and the walkers as they ventured through Balboa Park. As the walkers completed the loop and returned to the main event area, they were met with a rejoicing crowd as they crossed the finish line.

In total, the community raised $450,000 and reached our fundraising goal for Walk4ALZ 2026 to support Alzheimer’s San Diego’s free services. Already, these donations have gone to work helping people living with dementia and their unpaid caregivers in San Diego County. After the event, a client shared this: “Thank you, you have been a light in the dark.”

This was a very special day for Alzheimer’s San Diego and the San Diego dementia community as it marks the 10th Walk4ALZ event. Over the past 10 years, Walk4ALZ participants have raised more than $5 million in total! These funds have played a significant role in keeping our services like education classes, social activities, and support groups free for a decade. Every single dollar raised for Walk4ALZ has stayed in San Diego to provide in-depth support and education for people living with dementia and their care partners so they can feel empowered to plan for the future and be prepared for what’s ahead.

Top ten Walk4ALZ 2026 teams (as of 10/19/26):

The Men Remember: $112,052
Americare Health & Retirement & their Silvergate locations: $31,814
Wesley Palms: $25,210
Walk4ALZ Board of Directors: $23,800
Dignity for ALZ: $18,664
Axos Bank: $18,461
Aspiriant Wealth Management: $14,710
Vista Del Sol: $14,700
Team Palomino: $11,375
SDG&E: $11,046

Top ten Walk4ALZ 2026 individual walkers (as of 10/19/26):

Marc Lieberman: $30,000 (Team The Men Remember)
Michael Teichner: $15,157 (Team The Men Remember)
Larry Hamon: $15,111 (Team The Men Remember)
Joe & Tim: $13,000 (Team The Men Remember)
Gary Weller: $11,900 (Team The Men Remember)
Nua Shores: $11,750 (Team Nua and Mike)
Jeannie Steffens: $11,650 (Vista Del Sol)
Annie Clark-Durkin: $10,243 (Team Someone Special)
Chris Buckley: $10,075 (Team The Men Remember)
Michael Wellman: $8,450 (Team Wellman)

A BIG thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and participated in Walk4ALZ 2026! We couldn’t have done it without our generous community, and appreciate all of Walker’s hard work supporting this event.

Stay Connected to Alzheimer’s San Diego

If you or someone you know is struggling with managing memory loss, reach out to us today for free guidance and other resources by calling 858.492.4400 or filling out this online form here. Services available in Spanish. You can also learn more about our free support groups, education classes, social activities, and special services for people living alone with memory loss in San Diego County.

If you enjoyed being a part of the dementia community, consider becoming a volunteer at Alzheimer’s San Diego. You can help out at our special events like Walk4ALZ or Rides4ALZ, making food deliveries, helping out with fun social activities, and more! Learn more about becoming a volunteer here.