What started with a friendly game of golf two years ago has blossomed into a successful partnership which helped raise $660,000 in 2014 to find a cure for one of the leading killers in the United States. That golf game was played by Krilogy Team Lead Patrick Monahan and Tim Oshie, father of T.J. Oshie of the St. Louis Blues, who began discussing a cause that was near and dear to Patrick’s heart – finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. Patrick, who lost his grandfather to the disease nine years ago and had been involved with the St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for three years, learned that the disease was a common bond between the two men. At the time, Tim had been recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease.
“When I heard the news, I knew that we had been brought together for a reason,” said Patrick, “and to work in cooperation to bring awareness to the disease and raise money that would go towards finding a cure for the disease which took my grandfather and which Tim is currently battling.”
The cooperation between Tim and Patrick quickly grew into an endeavor to support one of the Association’s largest fundraising events of the year, the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Tim enlisted his son T.J. to be the Honorary Chair of the event, and the Blues organization jumped on board to lend their support. Patrick served as the liaison between the Oshie’s and the Association throughout the course of planning and at the event.
“I knew once we had Tim, T.J., and the Blues on board, the possibilities would be endless. Not only did we have great momentum for the 2014 walk, I saw that we were building a foundation for a successful event in the years to come,” said Patrick. “My team at Krilogy was incredibly supportive of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and my overall involvement in the organization.”
When the day of the walk finally arrived on September 6, 2014, Patrick, Tim and T.J. saw the impact they could make together. Over 5000 people attended, and over $660,000 was raised, exceeding the Association’s goal by 10%. Patrick and his team raised over $12,000. The Blues gave away hockey sticks and pucks to a few lucky participants. T.J. and Tim took the stage to talk about the disease, their work towards helping to find a cure, and their love and appreciation for the support of St. Louis.
The Oshie family and the Blues are on board again for the 2015 walk, which will take place on September 12, 2015 at Scott Trade Center. Alzheimer’s Disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Over five million Americans live with the disease. To learn more, or to support the 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s contact Krilogy Team Lead Patrick Monahan.