Walking With Gratitude Thank You from Team Sonjađź’ś

A Moment That Took My Breath Away
This past Saturday, I had one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. When I arrived at Centennial Park in Ellicott City for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, I was overwhelmed to see a large poster of my beautiful mom, Sonja Behnke Festerling, displayed in the Promise Garden Flowers alongside 10 other teams’ posters.
Surrounded by all those blooms, it was such a moving reminder of why we walk and who we walk for.
The Strength of Team Sonja
Because of your kindness, encouragement, and generosity, Team Sonja raised $3,595, and together, Howard County raised over $250,000 to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. 💜
The walk around the lake was longer than I expected, but step by step, I was so encouraged to see so many others walking alongside me, each of us carrying our own stories, our own loved ones, our own hope.
Walking for Friends, Family, and Hope
Alzheimer’s hasn’t only touched my family. Sadly, I’ve seen too many people I care about walk this journey, including my dear friend Terri Dunsmore, who left us far too young. It’s for her, for my mom, and for every family carrying this weight that I will continue to walk.
And your support truly matters. A portion of the funds raised goes directly toward vital programs for caregivers, like the free 24/7 Helpline, local support groups, care consultations, and educational programs, while the rest helps with research, advocacy, and the mission to end Alzheimer’s.
When I first signed up, I was nervous and unsure what to expect. But the more I learned about the impact this organization makes, the more determined I became to be part of it.
Where Your Support Makes a Difference
And this isn’t the end. Team Sonja will be back next year, and if you’ve ever thought about walking for your loved one, I’d love for you to join us. If you’d like to talk with someone who has been a caregiver, please know I’m always here.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for walking beside me, in spirit, in support, or right there at the park.



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