2029 Ella Deaton: A Softball Player’s Fight Against Alzheimer’s in Honor of Her Great Grandmother

2029 Ella Deaton: A Softball Player’s Fight Against Alzheimer’s in Honor of Her Great Grandmother

Ella Deaton, a standout pitcher from the Class of 2029 at Lexington Christian Academy, is known not only for her skills on the softball field but also for her dedication to causes close to her heart. This year, Deaton’s involvement in the annual Lexington Alzheimer’s Walk, held on October 20, 2024, at the Kentucky Horse Park, took on a new and deeply personal meaning. She recently lost her great grandmother to Alzheimer’s, a loss that has strengthened her commitment to raising awareness and funds to help end the disease.

If you feel led to support the fight against Alzheimer’s, donations can be made HERE to help fund research and provide care for those affected by the disease.

The Lexington Alzheimer’s Walk is a community event that brings together families, friends, and supporters from across the state to share stories, raise money, and offer support in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Deaton and her family have participated in the walk for years, with her mother serving on the board. But for Deaton, this year was different.

“My family has had a team and fundraised throughout the years,” she says. “This year, it meant even more since I lost my great grandmother this summer.”

Walking in Honor of Her Great Grandmother

For Deaton, her great grandmother was more than just a family member—she was the heart of their family gatherings and celebrations.

“She was the rock of my entire family,” Deaton shares.

Her great grandmother’s home was the gathering place for holidays, birthdays, and other special events, a place where she always took care of everyone. But when Alzheimer’s took its toll, Deaton witnessed her great grandmother’s transformation from caregiver to needing constant care herself.

This painful experience has had a profound effect on Deaton and her family.

“We came together as a family to take care of her,” Deaton explains.

This year’s Alzheimer’s Walk wasn’t just a tradition for her family—it was a way to honor her great grandmother’s memory and to help raise awareness and funds for future families facing the disease.

“When we walk, we’re walking in her honor, but also to help future families hopefully never have to walk this same fight,” she says.

Contributing to the Cause

In addition to walking with her family, Deaton took a more active role in the event this year. With her mother on the board, Deaton was able to help set up for the walk the day before and assist during the event itself. Her involvement went beyond just walking—she helped make the event happen, demonstrating her commitment to the cause.

Her hands-on role reflects her growing dedication to fighting Alzheimer’s, especially in light of her recent loss.

“There is unfortunately not a cure for Alzheimer’s, and I’ve seen firsthand what this disease does to a family,” Deaton says.

For her, the walk is a way to channel her grief into something positive and impactful.

A Leader On and Off the Field

While Deaton’s passion for raising awareness about Alzheimer’s is commendable, she is also an impressive athlete. As an 8th grader at Lexington Christian Academy, she plays as a pitcher and is dedicated to her development on the softball field. Balancing her athletic pursuits with her involvement in causes like the Alzheimer’s Walk demonstrates Deaton’s strong character and leadership skills.

Her participation in the Alzheimer’s Walk and her efforts to raise awareness reflect the same determination she brings to the softball field. Deaton’s ability to balance school, sports, and community involvement shows her commitment to making a difference, both in her personal life and beyond.

Walking for a Cure

Deaton’s involvement in the Alzheimer’s Walk isn’t just a one-time effort—it’s part of her ongoing dedication to supporting those affected by the disease and working toward a cure.

“I’ve seen what Alzheimer’s does to a family, and I want to help raise money and awareness so that future families don’t have to experience what we went through,” Deaton explains.

The funds raised through the walk go toward research for a cure and supporting families currently facing Alzheimer’s.

For Deaton, the walk is a meaningful way to honor her great grandmother’s memory while helping to fight a disease that has touched her family so deeply. As she continues to grow as a softball player and a leader in her community, Deaton remains committed to using her platform to raise awareness and make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Ella Deaton’s involvement in the Alzheimer’s Walk highlights her compassionate nature and her dedication to a cause that has personally impacted her family. Whether she’s walking to honor her great grandmother or pitching for her school team, Deaton exemplifies resilience, strength, and a desire to help others.

If you feel led to support the fight against Alzheimer’s, donations can be made HERE to help fund research and provide care for those affected by the disease.

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