Thriving Off Competition, For Research’s Sake

We’ve reached that time of year, the time when I compulsively refresh the listing of Top Walks to End Alzheimer’s in the nation.

As the days on the calendar tick down, I watch and hustle for the Philadelphia Walk to End Alzheimer’s, my baby, my passion project, the event for which I pour my heart and soul, forsaking all other commitments and obligations and even putting some of my own needs on the back burner. Simply put, I want to be number 1.

Just prior to writing this, I did it again, popping on to the page, which I have bookmarked on my toolbar for easy access, to see that my walk currently sits at number 2, having raised more than $1,077,000 to date.

Let’s say that again because it might get lost, as it does for me amid the drive to be number 1. The participants in the Philadelphia Walk to End Alzheimer’s have raised, to date, $1.077 million to fund research and support programs for those who are affected by Alzheimer’s and all related dementias. I know, understand, and can appreciate all of the hard work that went into earning those dollars. I just want to get to that upfront because it might seem like I don’t as I continue.

Drive for number 1

The chair of the walk and I (I serve as co-chair) have wanted number 1 since we fell from first place a few years ago. Last year, we were, admittedly, disappointed with being number 4. It’s not because we don’t know that we tried our best and that any and all amounts of money raised for this cause is great, but we want to be number 1.

In terms of the number of participants, the Philadelphia walk is the largest in the country. As no surprise to anyone else who hails from the Philly region — we show up. The sight of about 10,000 people in a sea of purple on Walk day is something that brings tears to my eyes every year. So, we can be number 1.

Embrace competition

I was recently on the phone with my mom while checking the rankings. We had just surpassed Cincinnati and I was hyped up about it. My mom laughed and said, “You know all the money goes to the same place right.”

I headed over to my friend’s house the Tuesday before Walk for an evening of viewing The Bachelorette where I lamented over the large gap between the Silicon Valley walk total and the Philadelphia walk total. Again, I was reminded by my friend Taylor, “It’s all for a good cause though.”

I know this! I love that we have multiple walks who are crossing, or who will cross, the $1 million dollar mark. This is astonishing and crazy and absolutely fabulous! But, my walk takes place on one Saturday in November and, until the end of the year, I’m in full-on competition mode. My vision is narrowed, my muscles are limber, I’m focused on all of those little details.

We’re going all the way up

In 2019, we crossed the $1 million in funds raised on Walk day; in 2020, we did it a few days later. Now, 2020 is a very different year, we’ve all had trials and tribulations that we never could have considered when going into planning this year. By all accounts, any amount of money we raise this year will be for good.

But I know this community. I’ve been walking with this community for 10 years, we’re young, scrappy, and hungry, to quote some Hamilton and if anyone can be number 1 this year, it’s going to be this amazingly diverse and beautiful group of people. I want it for us.

When the fundraising is over this year, I’ll widen my field of vision and administer virtual pats on the back to everyone who raised funds for this cause. But, until then — number 1 spot, we’re coming for ya.