The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter is pleased to announce it has hired a walk director for the Westchester Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Esther McCarthy joined the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter in April. She has more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, community engagement and volunteer management.
Prior to joining the Hudson Valley Chapter, McCarthy was the associate director of community relations at Mercy College, where she strengthened relationships with community-based organizations, legislative offices and other key stakeholders to establish and maintain support for the college. Before that, she managed all aspects of a $1 million Walk for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society as the Westchester senior campaign manager.
“We’re thrilled to have Esther as part of our team. She has a depth of experience that is truly an asset to our organization,” said David Sobel, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter.
McCarthy said she is excited to work with the Hudson Valley team, as the chapter has assisted her mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease, and her father, who is her mother’s primary caregiver — for the past 10 years.
“It is an honor to have joined the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. I am happy to be a part of this Association and proud of the work we do,” McCarthy said. “It is especially meaningful to me, personally, as I have experienced the impact of the services the Alzheimer’s Association has provided for my family. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity and excited to be a part of such an important organization that is changing people’s lives.”
Funds raised support programs and services
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter continued to offer its programs and services online and by phone. These include care consultations, where families affected by dementia can speak with a licensed social worker about helpful community resources as well as support groups where caregivers, family members, and people in the early stage of the disease can share their experiences with others who understand.
The chapter also offers free educational and social webinars for the general public and families living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Some of these are gradually returning to an in-person format. For specific dates, times – and in some cases, locations — for support groups, educational and social webinars, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley or call the 24/7 hotline 800.272.3900 to register. Pre-recorded online educational programs are also available.
About the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Westchester Walk to End Alzheimer’s has been among the top 30 highest fundraising walks in the country for the past five years. Last year, despite the pandemic, it continued this trend, raising more than $430,000.
About the Hudson Valley Chapter
The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley
