Journal

Episode 6: Reflections from New Mexico

June 25, 2025

Hello from the Land of Enchantment! Crossing into New Mexico felt like a milestone worth celebrating — not only because it marks nearly 900 miles of my coast-to-coast journey, but also because I turned 81 this month. As I stood by the “Welcome to New Mexico” sign just outside Bylas, Arizona, holding up a handmade 500-mile marker, I paused to take it all in: the quiet crunch of gravel beneath my shoes, the wind tugging at my clothes, and the wide desert stretching before me. Bylas, known as the “Land of the Apache,” is in the San Carlos Apache Indian reservation.

This part of the walk has been quieter, more remote. The wind is strong — at times nearly knocking me off balance — but I find the solitude grounding. It gives me space to reflect on why I'm walking.

During a recent stop, I joined the lovely team at KTSM-TV Channel 9 for a live segment where I shared the heart of this journey. At 67, I was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's. Thirteen years later, I am walking 3,000 miles across America to show that aging doesn't have to mean decline. Thanks to lifestyle changes and the support of Dr. Dale Bredesen's protocol, I've been able to reclaim my brain health. I want people to know it's possible to change the course of cognitive decline if you start early and stay committed.

This walk is deeply personal. I lost my mother to Alzheimer's, as well as four of her brothers. We didn't have the knowledge back then that we do now. That's why I share my story every step of the way — on sidewalks, in interviews, and online. I walk not just in memory of my mom, but for every family who's facing this disease and wondering if there's hope. I promise you: there is.

A big thank you to everyone cheering me on — your comments, DMs, and donations mean more than I can say. Also, welcome to our new support team member, Fabio, who is a colleague of Mike's, who is on another assignment as a videographer posted at the basecamp of K2, who joined us as we climb our own steep hills — literally and figuratively. (And yes, I still get asked about my shoes — Xero Shoes, all the way!)

You can follow my journey and join the community on Instagram @JudyWalksAmerica or my website, judywalks.com. I'm walking for awareness, science, and hope; with every step, I feel like I'm walking with all of you.

Until next time,
Judy