Running towards a future without Alzheimer’s: Taking on the San Francisco Marathon
By Roxanne
For Roxanne, running the 2025 San Francisco Marathon is more than a personal challenge; it’s a powerful statement in the fight against a disease that has impacted her family deeply. Inspired to make a difference, Roxanne is channeling her energy into training and fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association® through The Longest Day®.
A personal mission
Having seen firsthand how dementia affected her grandparents, Roxanne was motivated to take action. The experience left her with a profound understanding of the need for greater awareness, education, and support for both people living with the disease and their caregivers.
“In some communities, there isn’t as much education about the types of dementia or the factors that contribute to the disease,” Roxanne explains. “There isn’t always the awareness or support structure for individuals and their families.”
After moving to the Bay Area, Roxanne was impressed by the proactive work of the Alzheimer’s Association Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter. “The work they do in the local community is really important,” Roxanne says. “They’re addressing people’s actual needs, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that.”
Finding a starting line
Ready to take on a major personal goal in 2025, Roxanne found the perfect opportunity in the San Francisco Marathon which chose The Longest Day as it’s charity partner. This makes it possible for Roxanne to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association.
“I really wanted to accomplish a big goal for myself this year and dedicate myself to training for something,” Roxanne shares. “The San Francisco Marathon’s partnership with the Association, a cause so close to my heart, felt like a sign. It just seemed super right.”
The Longest Day is a global fundraising event held on the summer solstice, the day with the most light. Participants use that light to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s by choosing an activity they’re passionate about in order to raise funds to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. For Roxanne, that activity is her longest run ever.
A creative fundraiser
To reach her fundraising goal, Roxanne came up with a fun and unique idea to engage her friends and family. For a donation of any amount to her campaign for The Longest Day, she promises to tell the donor which Pokémon she thinks they look like. The creative approach has been a huge success, helping her raise over $500 so far.
“I believe that raising funds can directly provide care and support in local communities,” says Roxanne. “Ensuring that organizations like the Association are supported allows them to do that essential grassroots work.”
Promoting brain health
Beyond fundraising, Roxanne is passionate about spreading the message of proactive brain health, especially to her fellow twenty-somethings. The Alzheimer’s Association emphasizes that it’s never too early or too late to adopt lifestyle habits that can help lower the risk of cognitive decline.
“Dementia is so common that I used to think it was just a normal part of getting older. But it doesn’t have to be, especially if you take preventive steps,” Roxanne says. “My brain health and longevity are important to me. Our family has made it a priority to adopt the latest research and lifestyle interventions.”
As she prepares for the marathon, Roxanne will be thinking of the cause and the generous community that has supported her. “This is a way I can impact people’s lives,” she reflects, “and this is something I’ll always look back on.”
You can register for The Longest Day at alz.org/thelongestday and start fundraising today!
