Kathrine Kipp

After a year of endless appointments with various specialists and countless brain images, at just 54 years old, my dad, Scott Kipp, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease in September 2013. Almost immediately after his diagnosis, our family got connected with the Alzheimer’s Association. I am so grateful to have been connected with the organization early on in his disease because it helped us understand our family’s new reality and prepared us to become the best caregivers possible for him. 

From my junior year of high school until he passed in October 2018, I was with my dad every step of the way. Amidst the tears and the challenges, we cherished every moment together and found so much joy in the simple things like feeding the squirrels, walks and bike rides around the Minneapolis Lakes, listening to Van Morrison and watching airplanes take off at Post Road near the MSP Airport.

We were fortunate enough to care for my dad from the comfort of our home. It took a team to keep him comfortable and safe - this team was my mom, my sister and myself. We could not have done it alone. These special years of our lives caring for my dad strengthened our family and made us appreciate life; reminding us that we can do hard things but it’s always better with company. 

I am inspired to run this race because I want to do it as part of a team. A team of runners who share a common passion with me - to see a world without Alzheimer’s. I’m ready to keep doing hard things and take the next step from the annual mile walk to the 26.2 mile run in New York City! I know that it will be most meaningful to do this race with Team Alz for my dad with this team having my back. 

My dad led by example and towards the end, I was able to care for him and show him the love he showed me day in and day out during my childhood. I love him and miss him. I wish he were here to cheer me on in person. But, I know that he is with me every single day and will be with me every step of the way on November 1, 2026!

Donations of any size will help bring us a step closer to finding Alzheimer’s’ first survivor!

💜$10+

• Receive a personal Thank You note and race recap in November

• “Wall of Fame” - your name will be included on a motivational sign that will make its way through all of NYC’s five boroughs on race day!

• One entry into a “Guess My Finish Time” contest - special prize TBD!

💜$26.2+

• All previous rewards, plus:

• Add a song to my Marathon Playlist - (I'll share the playlist post-race)

💜$50+

• All previous rewards, plus:

• Exclusive access to Instagram “close friends” for training updates, bloopers, and race day updates.

💜$100+

• All previous rewards, plus:

• Vote on a challenge for me to complete during a training run (e.g. run in costume, wear a purple tutu, sing a throwback song aloud, etc.)

💜$250+

• All previous rewards, plus:

• Adopt-a-mile - get a digital shout out from Katie during a chosen mile of the race.

By participating in this event, I've committed to raising awareness and funds to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association®.

Currently, more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and that number is expected to grow to nearly 13 million by 2050. Our future is at risk and we must come together to change the course of this disease.

Please support my efforts by making a donation. All funds raised benefit  the Alzheimer's Association and its work to enhance care and support programs and advance research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer's disease.  Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer’s disease!