Residents Walk with Purpose and Passion for South OC Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Rancho Mission Viejo Residents Walk with Purpose and Passion for South OC Walk to End Alzheimer’s
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Sendero Field in Rancho Mission Viejo will fill with purpose, passion, and purple for the third year in a row as local residents gather for the South Orange County Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This annual event, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, is the world’s largest fundraiser to support Alzheimer’s care, support services, and research. And here on The Ranch, two remarkable teams are leading the charge, the ‘Gavilán Walkers’ and ‘RMV Fights ALZ.’
Gavilán Walkers
What started as a simple resident-led walking and aerobics group made up of Gavilán 55+ residents on The Ranch has grown into a movement for change. Led by team captain Christi Crumpton, the Gavilán Walkers now boast nearly 40 participants and have already raised $5,750.
“We all know someone touched by Alzheimer’s,” Christi shares. “In a 55+ community like ours, it’s something that’s always in the back of your mind. Could this happen to me or my spouse? It just felt like a natural fit to get our community involved in this important cause.”
The Gavilán Walkers are walking in honor of loved ones and neighbors impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia, and they’re rallying others in the community to do the same.
“It’s right here so close to home. There’s no reason not to join in. Whether you're a Gavilán Walker or another member of The Ranch community, this is something we can all support,” added Christi.
RMV Fights ALZ
Now in her third year as team captain, Louise Valdez leads the RMV Fights ALZ team with deep personal motivation. After her father and his three siblings were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Louise made it her mission to advocate, educate, and raise awareness.
“I’ve been involved with the Alzheimer’s Association for over a decade. When we moved to The Ranch six years ago and found out about the Walk in the community, I told my husband, ‘The Walk is right here in our backyard. We have to do this.’”
With more than 40 members and a 2024 fundraising total of $8,500, RMV Fights ALZ is one of the most impactful teams in South Orange County. This year, the team is attempting to match or exceed that goal.
“There’s power in numbers,” Louise says. “We go door to door, we have a table at the Ranch Farmer’s Market, we talk to neighbors, and we share resources. More often than not, I meet people right here who are affected by Alzheimer’s, and they don’t know where to turn. The Walk gives us a way to offer hope, support, and real help.”
Louise is a champion for the cause, reminding people that every donation matters. “No donation is too small. It all goes into the same pot toward care, a cure, and a future without Alzheimer’s.”
This annual Walk is powered by personal stories, heartfelt connections, and a community determined to make a difference.
To join or donate to the Gavilán Walkers team, visit here.
To join or donate to the RMV Fights ALZ team, visit here.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
