For Barrington resident Leo Caldarella, the choice of a high school senior project was easy. He would study the effects of Alzheimer’s, a disease that has directly impacted his family.  

Caldarella recently honored his grandmother and helped raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association by organizing a team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Providence. 

The Barrington High School senior gathered fellow members of the Eagles boys soccer team, along with other classmates. In total, 42 people participated as members of Team Christine, raising more than $7,000 under Caldarella’s leadership.  

“We have seen, firsthand, the effects of Alzheimer’s and the cognitive decline it causes,” said Caldarella, who added that his grandmother “is the kindest, sweetest person.” Caldarella said he has enjoyed the close bond that he and his grandmother have formed since she moved in with his family of six after her diagnosis.

Donations are still being accepted. Anyone who would like to support Team Christine and Caldarella’s efforts to raise money for the Alzheimer’s

Association, should visit: https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2022/RI-RhodeIsland?team_id=765929&pg=team&fr_id=15860

The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is held nationwide in more than 600 communities. It is the world’s largest event to raise money for Alzheimer’s

care, support and research. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than six million Americans are living with the disease.