“I participate in the Walk each year to honor my Grandma Lenila Homer. She was a woman who effortlessly balanced the divide between her roles as a traditional wife and mother of four and an outstanding leader and scientist in the Pharmacy field,” says Clayton Grames, senior manager, Mechanical Engineering, and event co-captain for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “She had a wonderful sense of humor and captivated audiences with her piano playing abilities. Tragically, all these qualities dwindled and eventually disappeared with the onset and progression of her Alzheimer’s. Every year the Walk provides the opportunity to remember her and honor her memory while gathering with others who have experienced or are facing the same difficult path with someone just as dear to them.”
What do you get when you combine the passion of employees like Clayton, a cause they care deeply about, and the support of the Intuitive Foundation? A hugely successful effort at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support, and research. The Walk was the culmination of a 10-week employee-led fundraising effort, a “Brain Health Wellness Challenge” that encouraged Intuitive team members around the world to complete activities for brain health, from puzzles to physical exercise. With the participation of over 200 employees and the support of the Foundation, Intuitive raised over $100,000 for Alzheimer’s research.
Peter Arkell, event co-captain and senior manager, New Business Development, joins the Walk to honor his uncle, Don Arkell. “He committed his career to protecting the environment and volunteered for many causes he was passionate about. He shared his love of the outdoors with me, through many fly fishing and horseback riding trips near his farm in Oregon. When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2017, my Aunt Laurie—his wife and caregiver—used the Alzheimer's Association's many resources to help guide his care.”
On the day of the Walk, employees gathered with friends, families, and even some pets to join thousands of community members in the cause. The Intuitive team arrived proudly—their donation made them the top corporate team participating in the . On stage, employees presented a ceremonial check, and Annie Lung, design controls specialist, participated in the Promise Flower Ceremony, where participants hold flowers to represent their connection to Alzheimer's; Annie represented advocates for the cause around the world.
Cynthia Arteaga, director of Facilities Maintenance and philanthropy chair for the Intuitive Foundation, was part of the team. “I don’t have a personal connection to the cause, but I got to know about Clayton’s grandmother’s story,” she says. “It touched me, and I wanted to support not only Clayton but any other Intuitive team members that may be impacted as well. I was also able to share this with my parents for the second year. It was a reminder that anyone could be impacted by this, and our support will go a long way to help our community.”
For Clayton and all the participants, the Walk was also a reminder of the power of Intuitive employees coming together for something they believe in. “The Walk brought hundreds of Intuitive employees together through their personal connections with Alzheimer’s and their dedication to making a difference,” Clayton says. “I’m proud to be part of a company that enables their employee’s voices in support of these causes.”
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