Nothing can quite prepare you for that time in life when your parents’ health takes a turn. For Quail Hollow neighbor Coulter Warlick and his family, it was a surprise to learn that their father, an esteemed minister, was having trouble getting through his sermons. Hal “Fox” Warlick was a man known for his guiding leadership and inspirational words. He spent 23 years as Dean at High Point University and many more as a sought-after minister for churches in North Carolina and across the country. Publishing 17 books, he loved history and was a great storyteller. He received a great number of awards, accolades and recognitions, but in 2017, at the age of 71, words were not coming as easily to him. 

“I’ll never forget when my dad received his dementia diagnosis,” said Coulter. “My brother, Scott, and I remember when we were kids, and our mother, Diane, became the caregiver for her mom – our grandmother - who had dementia. It was hard for us to believe the same was happening to our dad - he seemed so healthy and young. My brother and I, along with both of our families, were committed to helping our mom take care of him.”

Coulter wrapped his head around the emotional impact his dad’s diagnosis would have on the entire family, but he was not prepared for the physical toll it would take as well.

“Dementia affects everyone differently,” he said. “Every case is different. Every story is unique. It can feel very isolating because it’s hard to describe to others the magnitude of what you are going through. It’s really a survivor’s disease, meaning that the most significant challenges fall on the caregivers, because your loved one no longer has the cognitive awareness of what is happening.”

The Warlick family engaged with the Alzheimer’s Association early in his father’s battle and found a community of people they could talk to and receive guidance from, as well as the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900). 

In 2018, Coulter was introduced to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Charlotte event when a friend who was participating asked him to donate to the cause. He happily made that donation in honor of his own dad, and checked the box to learn more about getting involved with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Western Carolina Chapter. 

The following year, the Warlick family, including Hal, participated in the Charlotte Walk. “It was a very emotional and sentimental event for our family to have him join us at the Walk,” Coulter shared. “This was the only Walk he was able to participate in so the photos and memories are priceless.”

Hal “Fox” Warlick passed away in October 2021 from Alzheimer’s disease.  The family has continued to walk in his memory. 

Last year, Coulter served as executive leadership chair for the Charlotte Walk and he continues the role for this year’s event.  In this role he leads a team of volunteers focused on engaging Charlotte’s corporate community as sponsors and teams for the event. 

“My dad helped a lot of people during his lifetime,” said Coulter. “Being involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, raising money for the cause and supporting others who are walking this road allows me an opportunity to help. When you start on this journey, you are searching for answers, and I am always willing to share what we learned and what helped my dad and my family.”

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. “Thanks to funds raised by important events like Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Charlotte, significant breakthroughs are being made,” Coulter shared. “My family and I look forward to seeing the community come together on October 19 at Truist Field!” 

Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Charlotte

Mecklenburg County and surrounding area residents will join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® — the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Presented by The Sharon at SouthPark, the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter will be hosting Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Charlotte at Truist Field located at 324 S. Mint Street in Charlotte. Check-in opens at 9 a.m. with an Opening Ceremony at 10 a.m. and the Walk immediately following. 

To register as a participant or team captain or to learn more about becoming a sponsor or volunteer of Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Charlotte, visit act.alz.org/Charlotte or call 800-272-3900.

Sidebar Stats

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In North Carolina alone, there are more than 210,000 people living with the disease and 373,000 caregivers. Mecklenburg County has an Alzheimer's prevalence rate of 12.5% in its age 65 and older population. 

Dementia is not a single disease; it is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. Disorders grouped under the general term “dementia” are caused by abnormal brain changes. These changes trigger a decline in thinking skills, also known as cognitive abilities, severe enough to impair daily life and independent function. They also affect behavior, feelings and relationships.

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.