In 2002, Melissa Hagerman found herself at a crossroads following the death of her mother, whose experience with Alzheimer’s disease, in her words, slowly took her away from her family.

Considering the path before her, Ms. Hagerman faced a critical choice: “I realized I could either bury my head in the sand or do something to try to make a difference.”

Seventeen years later, and a little over a week until the nationwide Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Nov. 2, Ms. Hagerman is excited as she serves as the volunteer chair helping to organize the Greater Richmond Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association’s edition of the nationwide event.

“I’m excited for the walk,” says Ms. Hagerman, who is chairing the event for the first time after volunteering with the event for about six years. “It’s such a great event to celebrate all the accomplishments we’ve made.”

Founded in Chicago in 1980 by Jerome H. Stone and several of his family members, the Alzheimer’s Association established the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in 1989, raising $149,000 from 1,249 participants across nine chapters in its first year, when it was originally known as the Memory Walk. Last year’s walk generated around $9 million in funding from more than 65,000 teams and 600 walks.

The Richmond Chapter, started in 1981 and officially recognized in 1983, is expecting 3,000 people to participate in the event that will start at the Bon Secours Washington NFL team training facility at 2401 W. Leigh St.

Accommodations are set to ensure an inclusive day for a wide range of ages and abilities, from those with strollers and wheelchairs to children and dog-walkers. All have a choice of participating in a 1-mile or 3-mile walk.

Event organizers are hoping to bring in $600,000 to assist them in raising awareness of the disease and funding Alzheimer’s care and research initiatives, including support groups, community education programs and a 24/7 helpline.

Beyond the walk, Ms. Hagerman hopes “to continue to move the needle” with outreach to organizations that may be unaware of the impact Alzheimer’s and dementia have on employees, and to share solutions to ensure an environment of engagement, knowledge and support.

She also seeks to raise awareness of the Alzheimer’s Association’s services in the Metro Richmond area, especially in communities that may not be aware of the nature of Alzheimer’s or dementia, how to properly address symptoms or the people willing and eager to assist them.

“It’s rewarding to give back to a cause that is so personal to me,” Ms. Hagerman says. “It gives me hope to know that the work the group is doing will hopefully someday lead to a cure.”

No. 1 volunteer position: Chair, Greater Richmond Chapter Alzheimer’s Association Walk To End Alzheimer’s.

Occupation: Vice president for human resources at Genworth.

Place of birth: Potsdam, N.Y.

Current residence: Henrico County,

Education: Bachelor’s in human resources management, University of Richmond.

Family: Husband, Mark; two grown sons, Nolan and Patrick; and two beloved foxhounds, Jackson and Phoebe.

When and why I became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Richmond: My mother had Alzheimer’s. I watched it slowly take her from my family. After she passed in 2002, I realized I could either bury my head in the sand or do something to try to make a difference.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s goal: Our goal this year is to raise $600,000 toward awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

What it’ll take to pull it off: We will need the collaboration and generosity from our community to pull this off! We’re all in this fight together!

How I’ll feel when it’s over: I’ll feel a sense of pride and gratitude. This walk is successful because of the hard work of a dedicated group of volunteers and committee members who have taught me so much. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to be part of the effort!

Mission of Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Richmond: The mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s through the advancement of research; provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Services the association provides: There are many services available to individuals living with the disease and their caregivers, families and community. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 help- line — (800) 272-3900 — that is staffed by trained specialists who provide information and referral resources, guidance and support and telephone care consultations. The association also offers support groups for caregivers and individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and community education programs.

What is Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. African-Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to have Alzheimer’s disease.

What is dementia: Dementia is an overall term for diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills that affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Memory loss is an example. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.

What is younger-onset Alzheimer’s: Younger-onset Alzheimer’s, or early onset Alzheimer’s, occurs when someone is younger than the age of 65 when diagnosed with the disease.

Importance of family support: Family support is critical. Often, family members carry the burden of not only making decisions about their loved one’s care, but also facing isolation as they become consumed with the demands of this overwhelming disease. In many cases, these challenges are heightened by raising their own children at the same time and/ or working full-time jobs. As in my father’s case, caregivers often neglect their own health, resulting in a downward spiral. It is so important for caregivers to ask for help and surround themselves with a network of assistance. The Richmond Alzheimer’s Association offers several support groups as well as information on respite care, which are two options for family support.

Foremost challenge facing underserved areas: The foremost problem facing underserved areas is lack of awareness. Lack of awareness of what dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is and the fact that it is not a normal part of aging. Lack of awareness of the Alzheimer’s Association and their care and support services, all provided free of charge. Lack of awareness of the need to see a physician when symptoms begin to receive access to care and support services early in the disease process and to develop a plan of care for the future.

What needs to be done: There are more than 30,000 people over age 65 in the Greater Richmond area living with Alzheimer’s and 150,000 Virginians. We need to reach more of these individuals to provide them with the care and support services they desperately need. We need to maximize quality care and support for all. We need to reduce the risk of dementia. And we need more funding for research to find a way to treat, prevent and ultimately cure Alzheimer’s and other dementia. We need the Greater Richmond community to come together to support those living with the disease today and those who will be impacted in the future.

What is a brain healthy lifestyle: A brain healthy lifestyle includes regular physical exercise and heart-healthy eating. Regular physical exercise may directly benefit brain cells by increasing blood and oxygen flow in the brain. Current research suggests that heart-healthy eating also may help protect the brain. Heart-healthy eating includes limiting the intake of sugar and saturated fats and making sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In addition, research indicates that staying socially engaged and continuous learning also are part of a brain healthy lifestyle.

How I start the day: I try to work out every morning. It helps me clear my head, plan my day and prioritize what I want to accomplish.

The three words that best describe me: Determined, empathetic and grateful.

Best late-night snack: I try not to eat late at night, but occasionally I make an exception and have some kettle corn!

How I unwind: I take a power walk outside with my earbuds in and listen to music. Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I love to watch hockey! I’m a huge hockey fan! I grew up in a small town in northern New York, close to the Canadian border where people learned to skate as soon as they start walking.

A quote that I am most inspired by: “Fools multiply when wise men are silent.” — Nelson Mandela.

At the top of my “to-do” list: I’m a big “list” person. Right now, I have a list of follow-up calls I need to make to encourage “Walk Day” support.

The best thing my parents ever taught me: My parents taught me the importance of selflessness and hard work. The person who influenced me the most: My father, without question, is one of the most influential. He was a Marine who fought in World War II and married my mother after the war. He was a committed father of four daughters and therefore had to keep a pretty good sense of humor. My father became the primary caregiver for my mother as her Alzheimer’s progressed and he sadly passed away, very suddenly, three months to the day before she did. He was the definition of unconditional love.

Book that influenced me the most: “Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times” by Donald T. Phillips.

What I’m reading now: “Rising Strong” by Brené Brown.

Next goal: I have two goals I’m focused on. One, I’d like to continue to move the needle with corporate outreach so all organizations recognize the impact Alzheimer’s and dementia have on their associates and how organizational support, involvement and education can strengthen their work environment. Two, I’d like to increase awareness across the Metro Richmond area, specifically our underserved communities, regarding all the services the Alzheimer’s Association offers. These are resources that can truly make a difference for those impacted by Alzheimer’s or dementia and those who care for them.