Community support helps walk meet fundraising goal while inspiring plans for local caregiver support group.
Alzheimer’s disease touches millions of families, often placing an emotional and physical burden on the loved ones who provide care. An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s, including approximately 580,000 Floridians, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report.
The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s brings families, caregivers, advocates and community members together to raise awareness and funds for research, care and support services. For many participants, the walk is about more than raising money, it’s an opportunity to honor loved ones, remember those lost to the disease and stand alongside families facing the same challenges.
For Sheryl Vitelli, founder of the Plant City walk, the cause is deeply personal. Her father, Greg Irizarry, was diagnosed with dementia, an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, reasoning and the ability to perform everyday activities, and Vitelli experienced firsthand how the disease can change family relationships and the responsibility of those providing care. He died in March.
“When it’s hitting your loved one, it’s emotional,” Vitelli said. “Along the journey, you’re going to mourn the loss of their memories and the frustration of seeing how it changes your family role. You go from being a daughter who just gets to have fun with her dad to becoming the caregiver. The roles are reversed.”
Vitelli, who has worked in senior living for 15 years, said the transition can be stressful and exhausting.
“I was my dad’s primary caregiver, and I have two sisters, so I was lucky to have them there,” she said. “Your family changes because your priority becomes being the primary caregiver for your dad. A family needs compassion, patience and lots and lots of support.”
The experience helped fuel her determination to bring awareness and resources to other families.
“I see the effects of Alzheimer’s everyday and I hope one day nobody has to see their loved ones affected by the disease,” she said.
Vitelli was among participants who gathered Nov. 7 for the 2026 Plant City Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Grace Manor at Hunter’s Creek. The event met it’s $15,000 fundraising goal, thanks to community sponsorships, donations and volunteer support.
The approximately 3 1/2-mile walk began at Grace Manor and meandered through Brewer Park.
Vitelli credited the Plant City community for the milestone, thanking those who contributed monetary donations, in-kind gifts and resources.
“I want them to know, first and foremost, a heartfelt thank you,” she said. “Our community is small, but it certainly is mighty.”
Mayor Nate Kilton spoke to kick off the event, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about a disease that touches many Plant City families.
Vice Mayor Jason Jones also joined the walk.
Vitelli said the event’s impact extended beyond fundraising. Two attendees, including a man who had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, attended after seeing an advertisement for the walk in the Plant City Observer.
Carole Brennan, the Tampa Walk Director for the Alzheimer’s Association, attended and connected with the man and his family. Vitelli said they also prayed with him and offered encouragement.
Another attendee was a caregiver who had recently lost a family member to dementia. Vitelli and others spent about 30 minutes listening to her story and connected her with Brennan for additional support.
Those conversations revealed a need Vitelli hopes to address in Plant City. Organizers are planning to establish a monthly Alzheimer’s and dementia support group, providing caregivers and families with opportunities to share experiences and find resources.
“We’re also creating a board this year, so I am super exited about 2027,” Vitelli said.
She hopes more residents will get involved next year, whether through volunteering, sponsoring the event or walking in honor of someone affected by Alzheimer’s.
“I really have a vision to bring our community together and truly make a difference and I believe our small but mighty town of Plant City can do just that.”
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, visit act.alz.org.
