Which Charity Brought 80s Movie Star To Highland, New York?

80s movie icon Andrew McCarthy has been pretty busy recently! He released his documentary, Brats back in June of this year. Brats is a 2024 documentary film that explores the Brat Pack, a group of young actors and the impact on their lives and careers, in which McCarthy was a part of. Emilion Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Timothy Hutton, Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Lea Thompson and Jon Cryer appear in the film, as do producer Lauren Shuler Donner, writer and director Howard Deutch, and David Blum, the journalist who coined the term "Brat Pack." During his time as a Brat Pack member, McCarthy starred in 80s classics like Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo's Fire, Weekend at Bernie's, among others.

So what the heck brought McCarthy up north from his home in the West Village to the Hudson Valley and the Walkway Over the Hudson? Was he promoting the film? Was he getting shots for another movie? None of the above. The Brat Pack star was helping to end Alzheimer's, specifically, he was supporting a friend who was a sponsor at the event.

2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Dutchess/Ulster County, NY

I was at the Walk to End Alzheimer's, and though I did not get to speak with Andrew McCarthy, I did see him from a distance when he was given a shout out during the opening ceremony! Despite not seeing him myself, a lot of people ended up getting pictures with him throughout the day. So, what is the Walk to End Alzheimer's?

The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Through their many initiatives and worldwide reach, the Alzheimer’s Association leads the charge in Alzheimer’s care, support, research and advocacy.

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At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, they’re fighting for a different future. For families facing the disease today. For more time. For treatments. We’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer's further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

One thing that I thought was quite beautiful was that each registered participant received a Promise Garden flower. They were flower windmills with all different colors. It was so cool to see everyone raise up their flowers during the opening ceremony. It was a perfect symbol of the solidarity of the event. Below are the different colors and their meanings:

• Blue represents someone living with Alzheimer's or another dementia
• Purple is for those who have lost a someone to the disease.
• Yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for a person living with Alzheimer's.
• Orange is for those who support the cause and the Association's vision of a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.
• White is for the future when there will be no Alzheimer's. This flower wasn't given out to everyone, but rather, one little girl introduced the while flower during the opening ceremonies.

The morning was full of music, laughter, and a lot of camaraderie! They had performers on the main stage, booths for vendors, and plenty of purple shirts walking all across the Walkway! As of writing this article, the Alzheimer's Association of the Hudson Valley has raised 91% of their goal for the year. They have raised $223,444, only $21,556 away from their goal of $245,000 for 2024. You can still donate to this year's campaign. Fundraising continues until 12/31/2024. Click here to donate!

Read More: Latest Update on Research from the HV Alzheimer's Association

Below is my dear friend Meg Boyce! Not only is she just a heck of a lot of fun and an amazing singer (watch her do the National Anthem at the opening ceremony), but she is also the Vice President of Programs and Services Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. In her current role, she oversees programs and services offered by the chapter to meet the needs of the community. Meg told me that approximately 750 people from all over the Hudson Valley and beyond! She said how grateful she and the rest of the committee members were to see an amazing turn out on such a beautiful fall day.

Back in August, I got to speak with Meg Boyce from the Alzheimer’s Association for In Touch! Besides being the Vice President of Programs and Services Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, she is one of the organization's Research Champions. She came in with the latest facts and figures on Alzheimer's and related dementias that were released earlier this year. Meg and I gave an update on the statistics and what folks can do to get the help they need. Not to mention, we talked about the impact of the Walk to End Alzheimer's!