Connecticut Families: Orange teen raises funds for Alzheimer’s research in honor of grandfather

ORANGE, Conn. (WTNH) — “He seemed to be a very kind, selfless man and he was very funny, everyone loved him,” said Joy Eichler of her grandfather, Pop Pop, who died as a result of Alzheimer’s disease when he was only 59-years-old.

The Orange teen was a toddler at the time.

“I don’t remember him that well but his legacy still lives on through photo albums and old stories,” she said.

So, in 2021, Eichler became inspired to honor his memory and make a difference by collecting and cashing-in cans, along with selling home-made cookies to raise funds for the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“It feels good that I’m doing something about it and contributing in such a way and that I’m making him proud in a way, getting justice,” Joy said.

The rising sophomore at Amity High School believes small efforts add-up.

She has raised about $2,000 for research in the last few years.

“I really want to keep it going, maybe get even more involved as I get older,” Eichler said.

As she prepares to Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 29 at New Haven’s Lighthouse Point Park , she will be thinking about her Pop Pop and more ways she can help others dealing with this devastating disease.

“He’s always watching over me and the rest of my family and I know we’re making him proud and he would love what we’re doing right now,” she said.

Joy is setting-up a lemonade stand to support the Connecticut chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association on Aug. 31.

Check out her Facebook page for more information.

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