Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Birmingham leaders are uniting to end Alzheimer’s—walk with them on October 19
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Alzheimer’s disease has touched the lives of so many, including my own. As the most common form of dementia, its impact is far-reaching, affecting thousands of individuals and families across Alabama.
That’s why a dedicated group of local leaders has joined forces with the Alzheimer’s Association Alabama Chapter to help raise awareness, fund groundbreaking research and provide care for those affected.
We sat down with the 2025 Executive Leadership Team to learn more about why they joined the fight against Alzheimer’s, and how you can too. Stay tuned for details about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s happening October 19 in Vestavia Hills.
Alzheimer’s in Alabama by the numbers
In our state alone, the numbers are staggering—just take a look at these 2025 statistics:
- 103,600 Alabama individuals aged 65+ living with Alzheimer’s
- 217,000 caregivers providing support
- 387 million hours of unpaid care annually
- 196.6% increase in Alzheimer’s-related deaths since 2000
These numbers reflect not just a health crisis, but an emotional and financial burden on thousands of Alabama families.
To combat this growing challenge, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Birmingham is proud to announce the nominees for the 2025 Executive Leadership Team. These dedicated team members have been nominated by their company or peers to participate in this annual corporate challenge.
These Alabamians make up the 2025 Executive Leadership Team
(Alzheimer’s Association)
These individuals work year-round to build partnerships, organize fundraising events and inspire their networks to take action.
Every year, the team participates in a friendly corporate fundraising competition with one goal—to raise as much as possible, while also recruiting as many company teams as well as family teams, encouraging each other to spread the word, donate and fundraise for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Birmingham on October 19.
The winner will be named the Walk Champion of 2025!
Meet the team:
- Megan Crumpton, UAB
- Natalie Slovensky, InnerWorks Counseling
- Michelle Lorino, STERIS
- Paul Yeager, Marathon Financial Group
- Janine Bevelle, RFG Advisory
- Kimberly Stephens, Domit Investment Group + 2024 Walk Champion!
Though they come from diverse backgrounds and industries, they have one thing in common: a personal connection to Alzheimer’s that has inspired them to advocate.
“Losing my father to Alzheimer’s was a profoundly personal and heartbreaking experience. Seeing firsthand how this disease affects not only the individual but also their loved ones inspired me to act. I became an advocate and fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association to honor his memory, support families navigating this journey and contribute to research that will one day lead to a cure.
Every step forward in awareness, care and scientific advancement brings hope to those affected, and I’m committed to being part of that progress.”
Janine Bevelle, Executive Leadership Team Co-Chair
Funds support, research + care
So, where exactly do funds go? Every dollar raised benefits those affected by Alzheimer’s disease within our community and beyond, including:
- Support groups, connecting others facing the disease
- Online message boards through ALZConnected
- Free nationwide 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900)
- Research toward treatment, prevention + ultimately a cure by funding research initiatives in the U.S. + across the globe
- Advocacy through the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM), the Alzheimer’s Association + its advocates who fight to advance public policy as well as bipartisan legislation that continues to have a positive impact on people living with Alzheimer’s + their caregivers
“Being a caregiver for my mother and watching her slowly slip away from us, I started to search for resources to help our family navigate this disease and came across the Alzheimer’s Association.
The funds are crucial and help to provide free care and support directly to other families going through this disease; educating the public, increasing awareness of the disease, improving early detection, and enhancing the quality of care provided to those affected as well as funding research.”
Kimberly Stephens, 2025 ELT Advisory Council + 2024 Walk Champion
Join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Birmingham, October 19
Want to join the fight? The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an easy and powerful way to get involved in the cause and show your support.
“It’s a powerful experience—whether you’re walking for a loved one, showing solidarity, or simply making a difference in your community. You’ll find inspiration, connection and hope along the way.”
Janine Bevelle, Executive Leadership Team Co-Chair
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser in the world to raise funds and awareness for this disease. The event is for participants of all ages to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
“The event symbolizes hope for a future without Alzheimer’s and is a palpable way for others to take action against this devastating disease. The walk is often deeply emotional, with participants sharing personal stories and experiences.
The use of the flower ceremony, with the different colored flowers, representing different connections to the disease, is a very moving part of the event creating a very powerful atmosphere and my favorite part of Walk day.”
Kimberly Stephens, 2025 ELT Advisory Council + 2024 Walk Champion
Here’s what you need to know:
- When: Sunday, October 19
- Time: 1PM: Registration | 3PM: Ceremony
- Where: 1973 Merryvale Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
- Register | Donate | Volunteer
Join your community in the fight to #endalz and register today. Follow them on Instagram to stay updated on walk news and events.
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