Interview with Don Maves a dedicated Alzheimer's Association Volunteer

Q: What inspired you to get involved with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s?

Don: I lost my wife, Maureen, seven years ago to Alzheimer’s. She was diagnosed five years prior to that. We participated in the Walks then, and I donated to the Association, but after she died, I stepped up my donations. Then someone from the Alzheimer’s Association reached out to me and asked if I would like to volunteer.

Q: Do you have a personal connection to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia?

Don: As I mentioned, my wife passed away from Alzheimer’s. For the first two years after her diagnosis, I continued to work while having a home health care person come in five days a week. But eventually, balancing work and caregiving became too much. To be honest, I was exhausted—mentally and physically. Fortunately, I was able to retire and become her primary caregiver for two and a half years.

My daughters and I explored memory care facilities early on, just so we knew what options were available. That’s something I always advise other caregivers—don’t wait until it’s an emergency to start looking. The emotional stress of making that decision can cloud your judgment if you’re in crisis mode.

I enrolled my wife in a daycare program three mornings a week at a facility, and when the time came for her to transition into full-time care, at least the logistics were smooth, even if the emotional toll was heavy.

One of the hardest moments came when her behavior changed. She started pushing and slapping for no reason, maybe she was scared, or maybe she no longer recognized me. One day in the shower, as I tried to help her up from the bench, she pushed me away and fell. Thankfully, she didn’t hit her head, but that’s when I knew it was time.

I called a meeting with my daughters and explained why I believed their mom needed to be in a care facility. It was both the easiest and hardest decision of my life—easy because she was no longer safe at home, but heartbreaking because once she entered that facility, she would never leave. My daughters completely agreed.

Q: How long have you been volunteering with the Walk, and what keeps you coming back each year?

Don: Since 2022. Early that year, I got a call from someone at the Alzheimer’s Association asking if I’d like to volunteer. I had never really thought about the need for volunteers—I just assumed the Walk would happen regardless. But that call hit me like a punch from Muhammad Ali. This was something I wanted to do, so I eagerly said yes.

Why do I come back? Because it’s the right thing to do. I believe that one person can make a difference, and that small actions from many people add up to create real change.

Think of it this way: if you have an idea or cause, and you’re the only one in the country who supports it, your odds are 350 million to one. But if you convince just one other person, your odds drop to 175 million to one. If you can get ten people, it’s down to 35 million to one. That’s a fight you can win.

Q: Can you share a memorable experience from your time with the Walk?

Don: Just one? There are so many! I’ll give you three.

One of my tasks as a volunteer is to contact team captains from prior years to thank them for their prior support, to remind them of the current year’s Walk, and to encourage them to register their team.  I always end the contact by saying that I hope to meet them at the Walk.  Now, given that there are over 700 participants at the Walk, and that I have said this to about 40 or 50 team captains, none of whom I know or who know me, what are the odds, right?

But at the 2024 Lake County Walk, someone from the registration tent told me there was someone who wanted to meet me. I was surprised, but I went over, and it was one of the team captains I had reached out to. We chatted for about ten minutes, and she told me that meeting me made her day. I told her she had just made mine.

Another memorable moment happened when I emailed past captains at the start of this year’s Walk season. I always include my contact information, and two captains responded saying they were considering becoming volunteers. I followed up with them, shared my experience, and connected them with Jennifer Keeney, our Walk manager. Now we have two new volunteers, and I’d like to think I helped make that happen.

A third unforgettable experience has been recruiting local high school students as volunteers for the Walk. These students are incredible, we couldn’t run the event without them. I always make a point to thank them personally at the Walk, and I’ve built great relationships with teachers and administrators. If these young people represent the future, then we’re in good hands.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being part of the Walk?

Don: Attending events around Lake County as a representative of the Alzheimer’s Association. Whether it’s a memory care facility open house, a chamber of commerce event, or another gathering, I get to meet people who are going through or have gone through what I did. Hearing their stories and letting them know they’re not alone is incredibly meaningful to me. Plus, our Walk team, led by Jennifer Keeney, is a fantastic group of people.

Q: Are you part of a Walk team?

Don:  Yes—Don’s Mavens of Lake County, Illinois. It’s a play on my last name and reflects another aspect of me—my “incredible intelligence.” If I had to describe myself, I’d say I’m a mix of Cary Grant, Albert Einstein, and Mother Teresa. (Okay, maybe that’s a stretch!)

Q: How much have you raised for the Walk?

Don: Close to $150,000.

Q: What else would you like to share about your volunteer experience?

Don: It has been deeply rewarding. Every person who supports us means so much to me personally because of my wife, and I make sure to tell them that. I’m encouraged by the progress being made in Alzheimer’s research. We don’t have a cure yet, nor a prevention—but someday, we will.

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Find your Walk today at www.alz.org/walk