Walking through Alzheimer’s: A family’s journey of courage and hope

Karen Barnes didn’t always speak openly about the emotional toll of her husband Tim’s diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. But today, she shares her story with honesty and strength—because, as she says, “It’s important to acknowledge the reality of this disease.”

That reality is complex and painful, but Karen also radiates hope. She lights up when talking about the “celebration” her family is planning for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Guilford County event on Saturday, October 25. “It’s so much fun,” she says. “It’s happy and joyful because we’re together with others who understand. And we’re all working toward ending this disease.” Her resolve is unmistakable, and her hope is contagious.

Their Alzheimer’s journey began in 2015, when memory issues forced Tim to leave his career as a consultant for an international accounting firm at the young age of 60. At the time, the Barnes family was living in Alpharetta, Georgia, raising their two daughters, Meredith and Helen. Tim was a dynamic professional—constantly traveling, managing finances, and deeply involved in community service.

Initial testing from a neuropsychologist offered relief—no cause for concern. “You want it to be that way,” Karen recalls, “But the test didn’t examine his brain – it only measured his level of function.” However, a brain scan and examination by a neurologist in 2017 revealed something significantly different. A neurologist confirmed the devastating diagnosis: early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Tim participated in a two-year drug study, but heartbreakingly, the treatment didn’t help.

In 2019, the family moved back to their home state of North Carolina. Karen, born and raised in Greensboro, found comfort in returning to familiar roots and nearby family. Tim grew up in nearby Raleigh. Sadly, that same year, Karen’s mother passed away from Alzheimer’s. Both sides of their family had been touched by the disease, prompting Karen and her daughters to undergo genetic testing, a decision filled with courage and uncertainty. The test confirmed that they all carry the APOE e4 gene, putting them at higher risk of developing the disease themselves. It weighs heavily on me,” Karen admits, “and it’s a powerful motivator for our family to support the Alzheimer’s Association and its mission to find a cure.”

Being back in Greensboro allowed Tim to join the Healthy Brain Study at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Though no longer eligible for drug trials due to the progression of the disease, he continues to receive care and participate in memory counseling. Karen is deeply grateful for the program and the compassionate professionals who support both Tim and her caregiving journey.

While very familiar with the Alzheimer’s Association and a frequent user of the resources and support available, her connection deepened thanks to her daughter Meredith, who encouraged the family to participate in Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Over the years, their small family team has blossomed, with more friends and loved ones joining in solidarity and support.

Meredith was also instrumental in getting her company, The Fresh Market, involved in the Walk and mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. Headquartered in Greensboro, the premium grocer is not only a sponsor of the local Walk but launched a powerful national campaign that raised over $21,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Karen and Tim didn’t stop at walking – they joined the Walk community engagement committee and are active advocacy volunteers. Karen, once afraid of public speaking, now shares her voice with confidence and purpose. As she speaks to elected officials and community members. “I just imagine I’m talking one-on-one,” she says. “And I know I’ll be fine.”

But the reality: the highs of their involvement in the Alzheimer’s Association are also balanced by the lows of caregiving. Karen is candid about the emotional toll this takes on her – friends drifting away, watching Tim lose the ability to do the things he loved—camping, hiking, volunteering. “It’s a double-edged sword,” she says. It’s heartbreaking to watch this disease slowly take Tim away from us,” Karen says. “We’re holding onto every moment, even as we brace for what’s ahead.”

Karen is able to find a bit of respite in her week thanks to a neighbor that takes Tim for a walk several times a week. “It gives me quiet time at home to just relax,” she says. “That’s precious.”

Tim also attends a day program twice a week, giving Karen a few hours on those days to recharge. “I can hop in my car and go be me for a few hours,” she says, emphasizing the importance of respite for caregivers.

Karen encourages anyone facing this diagnosis—whether personally or through a loved one—to visit alz.org for resources on research, support groups, programs, and the 24/7 Helpline.

“I get so angry at this disease,” Karen admits. “And I really want change to happen. I want there to be a cure.” Through her volunteer work, she channels that anger into action—and invites others to do the same.

LIKE KAREN, 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.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®:
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.

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Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2025 dates in North Carolina:

Alamance County	9/27/25
Asheville	9/27/25
Charlotte	10/18/25
Fayetteville	10/25/25
Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln	10/11/25
Guilford County	10/25/25
Henderson County	9/27/25
Iredell Co. & Lake Norman	9/27/25
Jacksonville	9/27/25
Moore County	9/13/25
Mount Airy	9/20/25
New Bern	10/18/25
Rowan-Cabarrus	10/4/25
Unifour	10/25/25
Triangle (Raleigh-Durham)	10/4/25
Wilmington	11/1/25
Winston-Salem	11/16/25

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Join us in our fight for a future without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

AUTHOR: Susan B. Hansell
Susan is a retired nonprofit executive whose work with the Alzheimer’s Association is in honor and memory of her Mother, Beryl.  The Association was there for Susan with support and encouragement through her mother’s dementia journey.