Bryan Collier and his sister grew up in California with their German-born parents. Only one grandparent was still living — his mom’s father. His Opa, the German word for grandfather, lived in Hamburg, Germany, but came to visit for two to three months at a time. These extended visits gave them lots of time to bond and connect. “He was my favorite person,” said Bryan. “My sister and I used to argue about who loved him more. Despite the distance, we saw each other regularly and he was a solid part of our lives growing up.”
When Bryan was 29 years old, he went to Germany to visit his Opa for three weeks. “This opportunity to spend one on one time with him in his home country is one of the most special events in my life. My Opa grew up in Germany during the aftermath of World War I and during World War II. He also got to see the rebuilding of the country after it was left in ruins. He lived a lot of life and was a great storyteller. Getting to see Germany through his lens was incredibly special.”
Little did Bryan’s Opa know, that a discovery in his home country just before the start of World War I, by German psychiatrist and neuroanatomist, Alois Alzheimer, would have a direct connection to his own life.
Sadly, just two years after Bryan’s visit, his Opa would be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite his mom’s warnings that he was no longer the same Opa Bryan knew, Bryan still wanted to get back to Germany to visit him. Unfortunately, he passed away before he got that chance. “I would give anything to have one more day, one more week, one more month with him.”
Eight years later, Bryan’s father, Rolf, was diagnosed with early-stage dementia, and Bryan is doing all he can to help support his parents, who now only live an hour away from him in North Carolina. “I know personally how dementia can rob people of their connections to one another,” said Bryan. “We are finally in the age of treatment for this disease, and I desperately want options for my dad that give him significantly more time.”
In 2022, Bryan took over ownership of Buffaloe Lanes in Mebane. He wanted to continue the mission of connecting people through bowling in an alcohol-free, family-friendly environment. Community engagement and giving back to the community were top priorities so when the Walk manager for Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Alamance County® walked through his door, the connection was a perfect marriage. Fast forward a year, Bryan’s personal connection to dementia and his community leadership made him the perfect fit to lead as the chair of the executive leadership team for this year’s Walk on September 28 at the Historic Depot in Burlington.
“This has been a fun journey and great way for me to channel my grief for my Opa, and my hope for my dad,” said Bryan. “We have brought together a talented group of people who bring fantastic strengths to the team. I am proud to be part of this event, this group and this community.”
Buffaloe Lanes Mebane will be the Promise Garden sponsor and bring bowling carpets for the Kid Zone at this year’s Walk. “The Promise Garden ceremony is such a demonstrative experience to witness and be part of,” said Bryan. “The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s and their personal reasons to end the disease. I will be holding up the purple flower in honor of my Opa.”
“Alamance County is a great place, full of great people, great businesses and I’m excited to see Mebane increase their presence at Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Alamance County,” said Bryan. “Our local businesses are coming up with creative ways to raise money and engagement with the Alzheimer’s Association, including fun, family friendly events that bring together the community. We are hosting a weekend event with our onsite BBQ restaurant that includes creative “purple” themed food options, Bumper our buffalo mascot, and games.”
Bryan’s personal drive and desire to see his dad have treatment options motivates him to rally his community and help make the event bigger than ever. His parents will be joining him and his team, Walk with the Herd, this year, and he is excited to share the experience with them.
Bryan is proof that anything is possible when you cross a local, community-centric business owner with a nonprofit mission close to their heart.
LIKE BRYAN, WE ALL HAVE A REASON TO FIGHT FOR A WORLD WITHOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE. Join your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s today as an individual, team, or sponsor.
The Alzheimer’s Association hosts 17 walks across North Carolina. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association® mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
| Alamance County | 9/28/2024 |
| Asheville | 10/5/2024 |
| Charlotte | 10/19/2024 |
| Fayetteville | 10/26/2024 |
| Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln | 10/5/2024 |
| Guilford County | 10/5/2024 |
| Henderson County | 9/21/2024 |
| Iredell Co. & Lake Norman | 9/21/2024 |
| Jacksonville | 9/28/2024 |
| Moore County | 9/14/2024 |
| Mount Airy | 9/14/2024 |
| New Bern | 10/19/2024 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus | 9/21/2024 |
| Unifour | 10/26/2024 |
| Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) | 10/5/2024 |
| Wilmington | 11/2/2024 |
| Winston-Salem | 11/2/2024 |
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 