A hike to end Alzheimer’s: When his mom fell ill, this Kansasville man couldn’t stay sitting down

Dan Leunig, left, smiles with his mother, Anne, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, the same form of dementia that Leunig’s father and one of his grandmothers died from.

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Journal Times staff

KANSASVILLE — Dan Leunig is asking for donations before he hikes 20 miles through Bong Sate Recreation Area in Kenosha County to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease.

Leunig, of Kansasville, is one of the millions of Americans who is coping with a family member on a journey with Alzheimer’s. His mother Anne, who just celebrated her 90th birthday, is living with Alzheimer’s.

This is not a new journey for Leunig. He has already lost his father and a grandmother to the disease.

According to the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia.

Leunig’s family members have been strong supporters for increased awareness and research for Alzheimer’s disease. His father participated in a longitudinal research study and eventually donated his body to science.

This year, Leunig is doing his part to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s through “The Longest Day.” He will be taking his passion for hiking and turning it into dollars on June 20. Dan will be hiking 20 miles through the Bong State Recreation Area, 26313 Burlington Road.

As of Monday afternoon, he had raised more than $4,000.