Adam Wacenske

26.2 for Hoppy

My grandfather, Garold "Hoppy" Hopkins, was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend to many. He was the role model every kid needs. He loved a group hug with all his grandchildren yelling in his ear (evidenced by the profile photo).

You didn't always hear Grandpa Hoppy, but you always felt him in the room. A true presence that listened more than he talked and only said the things worth saying. Most importantly, He taught me how to show up. Every time.

One time a teammate forgot to pick me up for a soccer game (still not over it, James). I called Grandpa Hoppy last minute and he said he'd be right there. Turns out he was across town and I missed the entire game (thanks again, James), but that was never the point. Grandpa Hoppy was always there.

Until he wasn't.

Alzheimer's took him slowly. If you've been around this disease, you know it sucks. I watched the man I looked up to lose the things that made him him. And watching a role model get lost in his neighborhood or forget your name is hard to watch.

Over the last six years, our family has raised ~$70,000 in his name for the Alzheimer's Association by hosting a charity golf tournament. This year I'm changing my approach (yes, thats a golf pun), and if you've ever seen me golf, you know why.

So instead of looking for my ball three fairways over, on November 1st 2026 I'm running 26.2 miles through New York City, the place I now call home.

I'm running for Hoppy. For the Alzheimer's Association. For everyone dealing with what this disease does to a family. And to be the role model to my family that Hoppy was to ours.

If you can chip in, every dollar goes straight to the Alzheimer's Association as they fight to figure out a cure for this terrible disease. Anything helps but if you're feeling generous see below for a special gift from me:

$26: I'll text you the second I cross the finish line, before I text my own mother. (Unless she donates $26 in which case I'm legally required to text her at the same time as you.)

$260: you pick one song on my race playlist and I can't skip it

$2,600: I will caddie your next round and be actively worse than if you were using no caddie.

$5,200: I will send any lost toenails to the person of your choosing (especially if you choose James!)

Let's do this for Hoppy!

love,

Adam