Michelle Martin

In Memory of Lesley Martin | Help Me Reach My Washburn Challenge Goal

This June, I'm participating in the Washburn Challenge by biking and kayaking to raise vital funding for the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association in memory of my grandfather, Lesley Martin.

Lesley was a collegiate rower and lifelong athlete whose energy and spirit were taken from us too soon by Alzheimer's disease. This cause is personal, and I'm honored to compete in a way he would have appreciated.

Today, over seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, supported by nearly 13 million unpaid caregivers who give everything, emotionally, physically, and financially. This year, the total cost of Alzheimer's and dementia care in the U.S. is estimated at $409 billion, making it one of the most devastating diseases in our country.

The good news: progress is real. For the first time, the FDA has cleared a blood test for diagnosing Alzheimer's, and new treatments are now available that actually slow disease progression in early stages. Prevention-focused trials are exploring whether we can one day stop Alzheimer's before symptoms ever appear. Since 2017, the Washburn Challenge has raised over $1,220,000 to help make this progress possible.

Please consider making a donation today. Every dollar helps the Alzheimer's Association support families, advocate on their behalf, and drive research forward. For Lesley, and for everyone still fighting, thank you.