Making History In Pittsburgh
- Beth Caldwell
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Together, We Made History at the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Something extraordinary happened in Pittsburgh this weekend. Thousands of us came together with one shared purpose — to end Alzheimer’s.
Saturday, October 18 was a glorious fall day in Pittsburgh — crisp air, blue skies, and a sea of purple as thousands gathered for the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Standing before nearly 3,000 supporters, I felt both humbled and inspired to represent a cause that has touched so many lives — including my own.
It was also deeply personal. My two sons joined me, along with my cousin, her daughter, and so many good friends and colleagues. Looking at photos from the day, I can see something I haven’t seen in a while — a lighter face, brighter eyes, and a heart that feels supported and surrounded by love.
When our team name appeared on the digital ribbon board — Beth Caldwell’s Circle of Women — with the Pittsburgh skyline in the background, it took my breath away. It was a beautiful reminder of the dedication, compassion, and possibility that unfold when Pittsburghers unite around a shared purpose.
💜 💜 💜 💜 💜
The Power of Community
I realized this isn’t just my story — it’s our story. Every person walking, donating, or cheering from home is part of something much bigger than we often realize.
Just one year ago, it took until late December for our city to raise $700,000. This year, before the leaves have even finished turning, we’re nearing $800,000 — and donations are still coming in!
Our Circle of Women team alone raised nearly $28,000, and our smaller Pittsburgh Professional Women team exceeded its goal by raising $5,777. What these numbers represent is dedication, generosity, and love in action.
Behind every dollar are the people who donated bottles of wine for our wine pull, contributed items for our raffle baskets, and opened their businesses and homes for our meetings. Volunteers spent hours wrapping, decorating, organizing, and inviting others. You showed up in every way imaginable — and because of you, lives will be changed.
To every walker, donor, volunteer, and cheerleader — thank you. You made this happen.
Even Zeus joined the effort this year… though he clearly found the Walk a little too relaxing! He curled up right on my name tag and promptly fell asleep.
We’re all taking a quick catnap now — but the mission continues!
What’s Next
Our Pittsburgh Walk is now ranked among the Top 20 in the Nation — a first for our city — and we’re setting our sights even higher. Our next goal? $1 Million to support Alzheimer’s research right here in Pittsburgh and beyond.
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, we are riding a huge wave of momentum, and this is the perfect time. Whether you want to create a walk team of family, friends, or coworkers, plan a community fundraiser, or get involved with our executive committee, Lynzy Groves and I would love to talk with you. Schedule a time to speak with us here.
We’ll also be hosting roundtable discussions in the coming months to gather ideas and feedback from the community. These sessions are inspiring and often lead to new collaborations and volunteer opportunities.
If you’d like to attend, get in touch with either me, Lynzy Groves, or Jim Irwin — we’d love to include you.
With Gratitude
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that the unexpected turns often bring us right where we’re meant to be. The people, stories, and experiences along the way have stretched and strengthened me more than I could have imagined.
Thank you for walking beside me — in spirit, in person, and in purpose. Together, we are turning heartbreak into hope and transforming our city into a beacon for change.
With heartfelt thanks,
Beth Caldwell
Executive Director, Pittsburgh Professional Women
2025 Honorary Executive Chair
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