Twenty-one years ago today, my mom died of younger-onset Alzheimer's disease.
This year, I'm the executive chair of the Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association's Do What You Love to End ALZ campaign.
Do What You Love gives you the flexibility to do whatever it is you want to fight Alzheimer's disease.
For example, I kicked off the campaign event in October with a screening of my 101 KLOL documentary "Runaway Radio" at the legendary River Oaks Theatre, featuring Outlaw Dave and Jennifer Reyna, with host Michael Garfield.
Here are some suggestions to help get your ideas flowing!
FUNDRAISE ONLY
> Use social media and your following to raise money.
EXERCISE
> From challenges to an outing on a scenic trail, there are plenty of ways to turn exercise into an enjoyable fundraiser!
SPORTS
> Bring friends, family, and colleagues together by organizing a tennis or golf tournament with registration fees that benefit the cause.
GAMES
> Pick your favorite game, like bridge, board games, Mah Jongg, or livestreaming, and turn it into a fundraiser.
PARTIES & EVENTS
> Organize a costume or dance party to raise funds to advance the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
ARTS
> Host a karaoke night, knit-a-thon or an art auction. There’s no limit to what you can do!
HOBBIES
> Bake cookies for your family or office in exchange for a donation, or host a fishing competition with an entry fee.
OTHER
> A graduation, holiday, or other celebration can make for a special fundraiser. Set up a fundraising page and ask friends and family to make donations in lieu of gifts.
This is not limited to individuals. Businesses such as restaurants, all the way to entertainment venues, like escape rooms, can participate.
Reach out to me, and we can help you with ideas and guidance on getting started.
Or you can register below and get started on your own.
https://events.alz.org/event/dowhatyoulove/
Join me at our kickoff party to learn more about Do What You Love to End ALZ
February 11, 2026
6 to 8pm
Crisp
2220 Bevis St, Houston, TX 77008, USA
Dementia is a growing public health crisis in Texas. The impact of Alzheimer’s is projected to rise, according to recent data:
- 459,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Texas.
- 1.1 million family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Texas.
- $4.3 billion is the cost of Alzheimer’s to the state Medicaid program.
Your dollars make a difference. Funding has helped fight the disease's side effects with recent advances. Although current medications cannot cure Alzheimer’s, some drugs change disease progression, with benefits to cognition and function. Other medicines may help lessen symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion, for a limited time.
Also, the Alzheimer's Association U.S. POINTER study recently found that healthy lifestyle interventions, such as diet, exercise, and cognitive engagement, have a powerful impact on brain health and can improve cognitive function, helping protect cognition from normal age-related decline.
Thanks,
Mike McGuff
Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter Alzheimer's Association board member
