Alzheimer's fundraising rally participants

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Lakewood Team Members and Residents Rally to Raise Over $63,000 for Alzheimer’s Research

When Lakewood’s Executive Director, Heather Crumbaugh, set a lofty fundraising goal of $50,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association, team members and residents committed to reaching the goal and rallied behind the cause. From pancake breakfasts, pop-up sales and donut fundraisers, the Lakewood team raised more than $63,000 thus far in 2022, claiming the top spot for funds raised by teams in Richmond, Virginia, and ranked 34th nationally. The official Alzheimer’s Walk took place on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Libbie Mill Midtown in Richmond, Virginia.

The Alzheimer’s fundraising effort is near and dear to the hearts of residents at Lakewood, especially Dr. Rebecca Moak and Tuckie Paxton.

Resident Dr. Rebecca Moak sits on a park bench

Dr. Rebecca Moak, an Independent Living resident at Lakewood, is a second-generation community resident. Moak has taken an active approach to life and walks every day to support a healthy mind and body. Both of her parents were diagnosed with dementia and sadly passed away within 18 months of each other. Just last August, Moak’s husband received the same diagnosis and continues to receive care at Lakewood. With a passionate heart and drive, Moak set a fundraising goal of $5,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association and successfully tripled that goal by raising more than $15,000.

Resident Tuckie Paxton smiling for a picture while holding an award

Tuckie and Jim Paxton, Lakewood residents since 2019, have also been influential in supporting Alzheimer’s fundraisers. In the late 1990s, Jim’s mother passed away from Alzheimer’s and it was shortly after that when Jim turned his life work into serving the local efforts of the Richmond Alzheimer’s Association where he would become a member of the board and later, president. Tuckie would often pitch in by securing prizes for fundraising events. In 2007, Jim was awarded a commemorative clock as a thank you for his tireless efforts with the association.

Today, Jim is receiving care at Lakewood since his 2017 Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Tuckie, spoke at Lakewood’s Longest Day event on June 21 of this year where hundreds of luminaries lined the streets to shine a light on the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. It was all part of the community’s Lights of Hope luminary walk for the Alzheimer’s Association Longest Day, a fundraising event held worldwide each year on the summer solstice. Lakewood residents and team members honored friends and family who lived, are living with or are caring for those with Alzheimer’s with a memorial walk.

You can learn more about the bond Tuckie and Dr. Moak share by watching this special segment on WTVR CBS, Heroes Among Us, with Greg McQuade.

Fundraising efforts are still ongoing until the end of December.  You can donate to this worthy cause here:  Alzheimer’s Donation Link

Update:  A surprise donation from Greg McQuade at WTVR CBS6!  Watch the heart-warming moment here:  CBS Alzheimer’s Donation