Team Sonja: Walking Toward A Cure

June 30, 2025
Stephanie Fleming
Local Groups & Events
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On Saturday, September 27, I’ll be walking in memory of my beautiful mom,

Sonja Behnke Festerling, as part of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Centennial Park in Ellicott City.

Ever since we first heard her diagnosis, I’ve wanted to do something to help. At first, it felt too overwhelming. And after she passed, it was simply too hard. But now… I feel ready.

Alzheimer’s slowly took the moments that made her who she was, but I believe each one was waiting for her in heaven. I’m walking with love, purpose, and hope… and I’d be honored to have you walk with me too.

If you’re local and want to join Team Sonja, I’d love to have you by my side 💜

And if you’re not nearby or walking isn’t your thing, you can still support this cause with a donation; every step and every gift makes a difference.

Thank you so much for being part of this with me.

Sonja ringing the Salvation Army Bell for the Beltsville Rotary at Behnke Nurseries

Stephanie Fleming

Stephanie Fleming was raised at Behnke’s Nurseries in Beltsville. Her Mom, Sonja, was one of Albert & Rose Behnke’s four children. She was weeding from the moment she could walk and hiding as soon as she was old enough to run, so many weeds, so little time. Although she quickly learned how to pull out a perennial and get taken off of weed pulling duty.