Hope is Moving Forward: How Alzheimer’s Research is Making Real Progress
For families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, hope can sometimes feel far away.
The disease changes lives slowly, painfully and personally. It affects memory, independence, relationships and the rhythms of daily life. For caregivers and loved ones, it can feel like watching someone you love slip away piece by piece.
But there is also real reason for hope.
Across the country and around the world, Alzheimer’s researchers are making real progress. New treatments, improved diagnostic tools and a deeper understanding of the disease are helping move the fight against Alzheimer’s forward in ways that were not possible just a few years ago.
That progress matters. And it is one of the reasons Phillips Energy continues to support the Alzheimer’s Association year after year through the Middle Peninsula Walk to End Alzheimer’s, annual fundraising efforts and community campaigns.
Research is Changing What is Possible
For decades, Alzheimer’s treatment focused largely on managing symptoms. Today, researchers and doctors are entering a new era, with therapies that aim to slow the progression of the disease for people in its early stages.
The FDA has now approved treatments such as Leqembi and Kisunla for certain people living with early Alzheimer’s disease. These treatments are not cures, and they are not right for everyone. But they represent an important step forward because they are designed to address underlying changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s and help slow cognitive and functional decline.
That kind of progress gives families something they have desperately needed: more time.
Researchers are also making progress in the area of early detection. In 2025, the FDA cleared the first blood test to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, followed later that year by another blood-based test designed for use in primary care settings to help rule out Alzheimer’s-related amyloid pathology.
These advances matter because Alzheimer’s is often difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages. Historically, confirming signs of the disease often required specialized imaging or spinal fluid testing. Blood-based tools may help make the diagnostic process more accessible, less invasive and more timely when used appropriately as part of a broader medical evaluation.
Earlier answers can lead to earlier planning, earlier support and, in some cases, earlier access to treatment options.
Every Dollar Helps Push the Work Forward
Alzheimer’s research is not abstract. It is not happening in some far-off place disconnected from the lives of local families.
It is helping scientists better understand why Alzheimer’s begins, how it progresses, how to detect it earlier and how to develop treatments that may one day stop it. It is also helping improve care and support for the millions of Americans currently living with the disease and the family members and caregivers walking alongside them.
That is why fundraising matters.
The Alzheimer’s Association is one of the leading organizations advancing Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Funds raised through efforts like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s help support research, education, advocacy and programs for families facing the disease today.
For Phillips Energy, this mission is deeply personal.
Alzheimer’s disease has affected the Phillips family across generations. Company President John Phillips and Vice President Elizabeth McCormick lost their grandfather and company founder, L. Frank Phillips Sr., to the disease, as well as their father, L. Frank Phillips Jr., and their grandmother, Crystal Allmond Phillips.
That family connection is why Alzheimer’s has become Phillips Energy’s signature charity. It is why the team continues to show up, raise awareness, encourage donations and invite customers and neighbors to be part of the effort.
Phillips Energy’s 2026 END ALZ Fundraising is Underway
Phillips Energy is once again proud to support the Alzheimer’s Association through its Middle Peninsula Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team and annual community fundraising efforts.
This year’s “Fueling the Fight” 2026 END ALZ Raffle Fundraiser gives customers, friends and community members a simple way to help make a difference.
Nearly $1,000 in prize packages are up for grabs, and 100% of raffle proceeds go directly to the Phillips Energy Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team.
Four prize packages will be raffled off, including Yeti gear, Phillips Energy Tervis Tumblers, Whitley’s Peanuts, chip clips and a $150 Phillips Energy gas gift card.
Raffle ticket options include:
-1 chance to win for $5
-5 chances to win for $20
-20 chances to win for $80
Tickets are available for purchase through Friday, July 31, 2026. The drawing will take place Monday, August 3, 2026.
Community members can also support the Phillips Energy Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team directly by making a donation online or joining the team for the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
You Can Be Part of the Solution
There is still no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But there is progress. There is momentum. And there is hope.
Every raffle ticket, every donation and every step taken at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s helps fuel research, support families and move the world closer to better treatments — and one day, a cure.
Phillips Energy is grateful to the customers, employees, friends and neighbors who continue to stand with the company in this fight.
The future is worth fighting for.
Reclaim it with us.
