The Alzheimer’s Association and the People Powering Its Mission
Support the Cause
By Monica Vanover on July 21, 2025
How personal stories, corporate innovation, and community action are reshaping the future of Alzheimer’s care and research.
Ray Dolby spent his life changing the way we hear the world. But in his final years, it was his own world that began to change, growing unfamiliar, then unrecognizable, as Alzheimer’s disease slowly redrew his reality.
Ray was diagnosed in 2009. And as the shape of their life shifted, his wife Dagmar began looking for answers—stability in the midst of so much uncertainty. She found her way to the Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association®. “I saw all of the work the Association was doing, a combination of care, support and research,” she recalls. “Supporting their efforts became the most obvious way to contribute to the cause.”
Ray died in 2013. But for Dagmar, the work was only beginning.
That same year, she stood before a crowd at Walk to End Alzheimer’s—San Francisco and shared Ray’s story out loud. It was no longer just theirs to carry. Dagmar has since become a tireless advocate, helping rally friends, raise funds, and spread awareness. And through her continued involvement, she’s ensured that Dolby Laboratories, the company Ray founded, remains a committed partner, supporting Walk teams in cities across the country.
“It feels good to help people facing Alzheimer’s and to work with others to ultimately end this disease,” she says. “I’m certainly an Alzheimer’s advocate. I’m here to talk about it, and I’m determined to make a difference.”
Every fall, in more than 600 communities across the country, participants in purple move forward together. Flowers are raised high. Some walk in silence, others in song, but all carry a story with them. And what might look like a fundraiser becomes something much bigger: a public declaration of hope.
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research—with millions of participants coming together to fund science, honor loved ones and remind each other they’re not alone in this fight.
And the fight is massive. Right now, more than 55 million people around the world are living with Alzheimer’s disease—including over 7 million Americans. By 2050, that number is expected to nearly double. In California alone, nearly 720,000 people aged 65 and older are already affected.
But now, the outlook is changing. For the first time, FDA-approved treatments exist that may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s—something that felt out of reach not long ago. Behind that breakthrough is the Alzheimer’s Association, the largest nonprofit funder of dementia research, driving discovery through more than 1,150 research projects across 57 countries.
That kind of progress? It’s built from the ground up—powered by volunteers, sustained by donors, and carried forward by communities and companies that continue to walk, give, and believe.
A Global Disease, a Local Response
Behind that breakthrough is the Alzheimer’s Association, the largest nonprofit funder of dementia research, driving discovery through more than 1,150 research projects across 57 countries.
At Intuitive, a surgical robotics company based in California, the mission has found an especially creative form. Employee Clayton Grames, who lost his grandmother to the disease, first joined Walk in 2017. Five years later, he launched a workplace wellness challenge that tied personal health goals to charitable giving—and turned everyday habits into fuel for the cause.
“Over 100 people participated and we had 6,000 hours of wellness,” he says. “We raised more than $60,000 for the Association. It was cool to see the response.” The concept was simple, but the impact added up fast. Employees earned points for everyday acts of wellness—going for a run, reading a book, cooking a nourishing meal, or just spending time with family. Every point was worth a dollar, up to $100 per week per person—all of it going straight to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Not everyone feels that they have the extra money to donate,” Grames says. “Having the opportunity for employees to participate in a way that matches their style is really great. It allows us to bring in more people than would otherwise participate.”
For nine consecutive years, Intuitive has been a top fundraiser. In 2024, they helped Walk to End Alzheimer’s—Silicon Valley become the first in the nation to raise more than $2 million. But for Grames, the impact goes beyond dollars.
“It really allows employees to connect and feel like they’re part of something.” Grames says. “This leads to employees who are more excited to come to work and do their job—even though those activities aren’t necessarily related to their day job.”
Corporate Wellness for a Cause
“It really allows employees to connect and feel like they’re part of something. This leads to employees who are more excited to come to work and do their job—even though those activities aren’t necessarily related to their day job.”
For Chris Lofaso, Alzheimer’s isn’t just a cause. It’s part of his family’s story. He noticed changes in his father Giuseppe before leaving for college—shifts in personality, deepening forgetfulness. By the time Chris graduated, his father no longer recognized him or his siblings. Giuseppe died in 1987.
More than three decades later, Chris acquired Legacy Mechanical, a Bay Area company. Almost immediately, he knew the Alzheimer’s Association would become the centerpiece of the company’s philanthropic work.
“We’re small but mighty,” Chris says. “I got my organization excited about it. We had 20 to 25 participants. I couldn’t believe how many employees’ lives had been affected by this horrible disease.” He reached out to vendors, college friends, even his pickup basketball crew. “My story really resonated with so many people.”
In 2022, Chris joined the Walk Committee and stepped up as Executive Event Chair. This year, he’s hosting a golf tournament with the potential to raise $70,000—all in support of the cause that shaped his past and defines part of his company’s future.
“All business owners and their employees benefit from their ownership and employment,” Chris says. “I think it’s our obligation to give some of this back to the community. It’s an easy way to do it, and it’s the right thing to do.”
A Legacy of Giving Back
We Are Here for You!
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Sponsored by The Alzheimer’s Association
What Comes Next Starts with You
The Alzheimer’s Association exists to serve people at every stage of the disease—funding research, supporting families, showing up for people in their hardest moments. But that work is only possible because of partnerships with people and companies who understand how progress happens—one story, one step, one person at a time.
The stories start small: one diagnosis, one conversation, one decision to do something. And then they ripple. A team forms. A company gets involved. A fundraiser turns into a tradition. What began with one family becomes part of something bigger.
If you’re looking for a way in—whether it’s walking, donating, volunteering—start at alz.org/norcal or call the 24/7 Helpline anytime at 800.272.3900.
Sponsored by The Alzheimer’s Association
For Chris Lofaso, Alzheimer’s isn’t just a cause. It’s part of his family’s story. He noticed changes in his father Giuseppe before leaving for college—shifts in personality, deepening forgetfulness. By the time Chris graduated, his father no longer recognized him or his siblings. Giuseppe died in 1987.
More than three decades later, Chris acquired Legacy Mechanical, a Bay Area company. Almost immediately, he knew the Alzheimer’s Association would become the centerpiece of the company’s philanthropic work.
“We’re small but mighty,” Chris says. “I got my organization excited about it. We had 20 to 25 participants. I couldn’t believe how many employees’ lives had been affected by this horrible disease.” He reached out to vendors, college friends, even his pickup basketball crew. “My story really resonated with so many people.”
In 2022, Chris joined the Walk Committee and stepped up as Executive Event Chair. This year, he’s hosting a golf tournament with the potential to raise $70,000—all in support of the cause that shaped his past and defines part of his company’s future.
“All business owners and their employees benefit from their ownership and employment,” Chris says. “I think it’s our obligation to give some of this back to the community. It’s an easy way to do it, and it’s the right thing to do.”
A Legacy of Giving Back
“It really allows employees to connect and feel like they’re part of something. This leads to employees who are more excited to come to work and do their job—even though those activities aren’t necessarily related to their day job.”
At Intuitive, a surgical robotics company based in California, the mission has found an especially creative form. Employee Clayton Grames, who lost his grandmother to the disease, first joined Walk in 2017. Five years later, he launched a workplace wellness challenge that tied personal health goals to charitable giving—and turned everyday habits into fuel for the cause.
"Over 100 people participated and we had 6,000 hours of wellness,” he says. “We raised more than $60,000 for the Association. It was cool to see the response.” The concept was simple, but the impact added up fast. Employees earned points for everyday acts of wellness—going for a run, reading a book, cooking a nourishing meal, or just spending time with family. Every point was worth a dollar, up to $100 per week per person—all of it going straight to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Not everyone feels that they have the extra money to donate,” Grames says. “Having the opportunity for employees to participate in a way that matches their style is really great. It allows us to bring in more people than would otherwise participate.”
For nine consecutive years, Intuitive has been a top fundraiser. In 2024, they helped Walk to End Alzheimer’s—Silicon Valley become the first in the nation to raise more than $2 million. But for Grames, the impact goes beyond dollars.
“It really allows employees to connect and feel like they’re part of something.” Grames says. “This leads to employees who are more excited to come to work and do their job—even though those activities aren’t necessarily related to their day job.”
Corporate Wellness for a Cause
Behind that breakthrough is the Alzheimer’s Association, the largest nonprofit funder of dementia research, driving discovery through more than 1,150 research projects across 57 countries.
Every fall, in more than 600 communities across the country, participants in purple move forward together. Flowers are raised high. Some walk in silence, others in song, but all carry a story with them. And what might look like a fundraiser becomes something much bigger: a public declaration of hope.
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research—with millions of participants coming together to fund science, honor loved ones and remind each other they’re not alone in this fight.
And the fight is massive. Right now, more than 55 million people around the world are living with Alzheimer’s disease—including over 7 million Americans. By 2050, that number is expected to nearly double. In California alone, nearly 720,000 people aged 65 and older are already affected.
But now, the outlook is changing. For the first time, FDA-approved treatments exist that may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s—something that felt out of reach not long ago. Behind that breakthrough is the Alzheimer’s Association, the largest nonprofit funder of dementia research, driving discovery through more than 1,150 research projects across 57 countries.
That kind of progress? It’s built from the ground up—powered by volunteers, sustained by donors, and carried forward by communities and companies that continue to walk, give, and believe.
A Global Disease, a Local Response
The Alzheimer’s Association and the People Powering Its Mission
Support the Cause
Alzheimer’s doesn’t stay at home when your employees come to work. The Association partners with companies to offer education programs that meet people where they are—whether that’s a Lunch & Learn, a wellness challenge, or a speaker-led session. These sessions don’t just raise awareness. They open doors for connection, empathy, and real conversation where it’s needed most. Learn more about how your company can get involved.
Join the Fight
Partner for Impact
Join the Fight
For Employers: Education That Makes a Difference
Champion the Cause
Volunteer - Join a network of passionate people who are working to fight this devastating disease.
More Ways to Join the Movement
More than 11 million Americans are providing unpaid care for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia—often while juggling children and jobs. The result? Lost productivity, added stress, and billions in annual costs to U.S. businesses. Support and education can make a difference—for your people, and your bottom line. The Alzheimer’s Association offers tools to help you support your team and keep your workplace resilient.
Caregiving Impacts the Workplace—Here’s How
Alzheimer’s doesn’t stay at home when your employees come to work. The Association partners with companies to offer education programs that meet people where they are—whether that’s a Lunch & Learn, a wellness challenge, or a speaker-led session. These sessions don’t just raise awareness. They open doors for connection, empathy, and real conversation where it’s needed most. Learn more about how your company can get involved.
Caregiving Impacts the Workplace— Here’s How
Donate - Money raised goes toward the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.
Advocate - Work to implement policies that provide support for all those living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
Learn more - Call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org to learn more and find resources in your area.