Arizona’s Family is proud to sponsor the 2026 Phoenix Walk to End Alzheimer’s, scheduled for Saturday at Wesley Bolin Plaza in downtown Phoenix. The walk draws thousands of participants each year, and this year the spotlight falls on a local health‑care professional who has taken her advocacy from the clinic to the streets.
Katherine Kitzenberg runs for a cause close to home
Katherine Kitzenberg, a physician’s assistant at Mayo Clinic Arizona, completed the 26.2‑mile New York City Marathon on Monday. She ran the race as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, wearing a jersey that reminded her of the mission she serves every day.
“That jersey and the cause I was running for definitely inspired me the whole way,” Kitzenberg said after crossing the finish line. Her motivation runs deeper than a charitable check‑box; it is personal. Kitzenberg’s maternal grandfather is dealing with mild cognitive issues, and her paternal grandfather passed away while residing in memory care.
Professional experience fuels her passion
From the moment she graduated high school, Kitzenberg knew she wanted to work in neurology. “The brain is our connection to the world. It’s our most important organ,” she explained. At Mayo Clinic, she assists with clinical trials and helps patients and families navigate the challenges that arise when a loved one receives an early‑onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis, often in their 40s, while still building careers and raising children.
“They get a diagnosis in their 40s when they’re still in the peak of their career. They’re managing high school‑age kids and they want to be there for all these big milestones that are coming up,” she said. Kitzenberg emphasized the importance of compassionate care during such vulnerable moments, noting that the clinic’s willingness to involve her in patient support reflects a broader commitment to families.
From clinic to community
Seeing the impact of the Alzheimer’s Association firsthand, Kitzenberg decided to take her advocacy beyond the hospital walls. She raised money for the organization through her marathon effort, highlighting how the group supports families while funding research and new treatments.
“As hard as this diagnosis is to give to people, what keeps me going is, I do have hope!” Kitzenberg said. She looks forward to a future where breakthroughs become routine. “I can’t wait to grow with this field. When I’m older, I’m going to be like, ‘Back when I started, we didn’t have these things,’ and I think that’s going to be so special because there’s so much happening and I’m going to live through it in my career,” she added.
Hope on the horizon
Kitzenberg’s optimism mirrors the broader goal of the Phoenix Walk: each step taken by participants brings the community closer to a cure. “That’s the big goal, and we’re going to get there!” she declared.
The walk, organized by the Alzheimer’s Association and supported by local businesses and volunteers, offers families, caregivers, and supporters an opportunity to stand together, share stories, and raise awareness. More than 151,000 Arizonans live with Alzheimer’s, and over 252,000 serve as caregivers. Events like the Phoenix Walk provide a vital platform for education, fundraising, and community solidarity.
Residents who wish to contribute can donate through the event’s website or join the walk on Saturday. The gathering at Wesley Bolin Plaza promises to be a powerful reminder that, through faith, family, and collective effort, the fight against Alzheimer’s continues.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
