Betsy's Story
A life defined by love and a legacy of hope
Elizabeth “Betsy” McDougall was a beloved mother, friend, and member of the Cedar Valley community. At just 58 years old, Betsy began showing signs of dementia. With a strong family history of Alzheimer’s Disease, her family knew something wasn’t right and sought further medical evaluation.
Over the next several years, Betsy’s symptoms continued to progress. After additional testing at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 62. The diagnosis was devastating for Betsy and for the family who loved her deeply.
Like so many families facing Alzheimer’s, they experienced the heartbreak of watching someone they love slowly lose pieces of themselves. As the disease advanced, there were moments that felt overwhelming and hopeless. But through it all, Betsy remained the reason her family chose to keep moving forward.
In 2020, Betsy’s family and close friends decided to turn their pain into purpose. They joined The Longest Day through the Alzheimer’s Association, an event held on the summer solstice — the longest day of the year — symbolizing the fight against the darkness of Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia.
One Story. One Fight. One Community.
Alzheimer’s took pieces of Betsy’s memory, but it never took the love her family and community have for her. Battle for Betsy turns that love into action, fighting for a future where no family faces this disease alone.
Our Mission
We honor Betsy by raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research, support, and care. Together, we fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s and bring hope to families facing this disease.
Our History
Battle for Betsy was founded in 2020 by Betsy’s family and close friends in the Cedar Valley. What began as a single fundraiser has grown into a powerful annual event that brings the community together for a cause that touches so many lives.
Our Impact
Since 2020, our community has raised more than $181,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association, helping advance research, support families, and bring us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.