From the End to the Start!

HAWAII… FIVE-O
50th Paddle Completed – We Did It!

On April 13, 2025, our final paddle took place in Kauai with the Hanalei Canoe Club, who welcomed us with open arms on the beautiful Hanalei River. The ALOHA spirit was everywhere! A special thank you to Cindy Fowler, an Association staffer whose kindness made the day unforgettable.

Kimo, a retired Maui firefighter living with young-onset Alzheimer’s, joined us with his wife, along with family who flew in and members of the canoe club who have also been touched by dementia.

We began the day in a circle of sharing. Alzheimer’s is what brought us together, and together, we are stronger. Tears welled up as I listened to stories of loss, love, perseverance, and determination.

🎥 Watch the journey featured here:

• Hawaii News Now

• KARE 11 (Minnesota)

• Sun Post Local Story

Our History

The PURPLE CANOE / TLD launched in June 2021, setting out to paddle all 50 states while raising awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

From the beginning, our goal has been simple but powerful: to spark conversations, connect with families, and share the courageous, heartbreaking, and inspiring stories of those impacted. Along the way we spread something just as important—HOPE.

Highlights have been countless:

• A 10 states in 10 days challenge

• A 63-day road trip to Alaska and Washington, D.C. (including my first protest rally)

• The breathtaking colors of the Southwest

• Autumn’s beauty in New England

• Countless conversations with incredible people whose stories left an imprint on my heart

The journey to paddle the last three mainland states—Colorado, Utah, and Oregon—was more moving than I could have imagined. We reconnected with fellow campers in Salt Lake City who shared their dementia journey, and I experienced Oregon’s beauty for the very first time. We even met again with men we had crossed paths with years earlier on an Alaskan fishing trip—reminders of how this journey continues to weave people and stories together.

Why We Paddle

My parents both lived with dementia, and this effort is a tribute to their memory and to all who supported us during those years. Since launching, I’ve also said goodbye to three of my mother’s siblings—each facing dementia at the end of life. These losses deepen my resolve.

We paddle on for the 50 million people worldwide living with dementia—and for their families, who face its challenges every day.

Every dollar donated is another paddle stroke toward a cure and a brighter future. Your generosity lifts us, fuels our journey, and reminds us why this mission matters.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you for being part of this journey.