Nov. 4, 2024 By Czarinna Andres
More than 700 Queens residents gathered for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Saturday, Oct. 26.
This year’s walk, which relocated to the iconic venue, raised nearly $80,000 to fund Alzheimer’s care, research, and support programs.
The event drew special attention as Collette V. Smith, the first Black woman on an NFL coaching staff and a Forest Hills resident, took the stage as emcee. Smith, who lost her mother to Alzheimer’s, spoke poignantly to the crowd, underscoring her personal commitment to the cause. “It was a heartbreaking journey, not just for her, but for us, too,” Smith shared. “I miss you, mom. We are here today in memory of my mom and in the hopes that no other family will endure the pain that we did.”