Celebrating life amid dementia diagnosis

Croquet for a Cure: A game-changing community event
In the heart of the community, Meg and Steve Seoane have turned personal loss into more than just a fundraiser — they’ve created a legacy of hope, education and connection. It’s all centered around the annual Croquet for a Cure event, which has quickly grown into a highly anticipated occasion that combines elegance, philanthropy and fun, all in the name of raising funds for patients with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related diseases. When Meg and Steve decided to start Croquet for a Cure, they were deeply inspired by their personal experiences with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Meg’s mother, Hermanda O’Connor (pictured right), battled with the disease and to experience the journey with her was particularly impactful. “It’s not just one person affected, it’s the entire family,” Steve shares. “The emotional toll is staggering, and the lack of actionable treatments only adds to the heartache.”

A mother's love ignites a philanthropic passion
Their journey began with a simple vision — honoring Meg’s mother’s love of throwing parties and their childhood fun playing croquet. The Seoane family likes to joke that Hermanda could make water taste like champagne.

“My mom was the life of the party, always hosting with elegance and warmth. That’s where the idea of croquet came from,” Meg says with a smile. “Croquet is fun, accessible and a little bit competitive — just like the parties she threw.”

In 2021, Meg and Steve partnered with HonorHealth, kicking off their first Croquet for a Cure event. What started as a modest gathering with a few raffle baskets and close friends, has blossomed into a significant annual event. The growth has been astonishing. In their second year, they raised nearly $75,000, with more than $72,000 directly benefiting the cause.

The secret to their success lies in their collaboration with HonorHealth Foundation, which provided the infrastructure, guidance and expertise to help grow the event.

“They helped us see that this wasn’t just a one-time event. It’s an ongoing partnership,” Meg explains. “They showed us how to take a simple idea and turn it into something with real, lasting impact.

Advancing Alzheimer's care, together
Their commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s doesn’t end with the event. In collaboration with HonorHealth, the Seoanes have helped create a dedicated fund that supports the advancement of Alzheimer’s care and research. And while the Croquet for a Cure event is the centerpiece of this initiative, the fund remains open year-round, allowing individuals and businesses to contribute whenever they wish.

As Steve reflects on the journey, he acknowledges the deep personal connection they both share to the cause.

“Even though we don’t know the people who directly benefit from our efforts, it still feels incredibly personal to us. We’ve experienced the heartbreak of watching a loved one struggle with dementia, and now we’re doing everything we can to make sure others don’t have to go through that same pain,” he shares.

One of the most inspiring elements of Croquet for a Cure is its ability to bring people together. The event has become more than just a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of community.

“It’s about recognizing that this disease affects us all, and together, we can make a difference,” Meg says. Her sister recently made a poignant observation: “It’s not just Croquet for a Cure, it’s Croquet for a Community!”

The Seoanes are quick to credit their donors and sponsors, who have played a pivotal role in the event’s growth.

“We’ve had so much support, and the sponsors have been incredible,” Meg says. “This year, our goal is to hit the six-figure mark in donations. We’re already seeing exponential growth in the community’s support.”

As they look to the future, Meg and Steve have even bigger dreams.

Small steps to a big future
“We want to keep building this event and grow it into a million-dollar community event,” Steve says. “But beyond the fundraising, we’re focused on supporting a new approach to Alzheimer’s care. There are so many groundbreaking treatments that could lead to a cure, but they need funding. We want to be the vehicle that helps make that happen.”

And it’s not just about raising funds — it’s about inspiring others to join the fight. Croquet for a Cure is raising awareness about Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects millions of families each year. In collaboration with the medical staff at HonorHealth, Meg and Steve’s vision for the future includes a multidisciplinary Alzheimer’s clinic at the Bob Bové Neuroscience Institute located on the campus of HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center. A clinic that will bring comprehensive, holistic care, cutting-edge research and patient-centered treatments to the forefront right here in Scottsdale.

“Patients and their families are lost after a diagnosis. They need a safe space where they feel supported holistically — not just for the patient, but for the family navigating this overwhelming journey,” states HonorHealth neurologist, Marisa Sosinsky, MD. “That’s the greatest service a clinic like this can provide.”

As they continue their journey, Meg and Steve’s impact on the community is undeniable. They’ve turned their personal grief into something beautiful, providing a platform for others to come together, raise funds and support those affected by Alzheimer’s.

As Meg says, “It’s about hope, it’s about education and it’s about making a difference. And I truly believe we’re just getting started.”

So, whether you’re playing a friendly game of croquet or donating to support the cause, Croquet for a Cure is a reminder that together, we can fight this devastating disease and change lives for the better. With Meg and Steve leading the way, the future looks brighter — and the game to eradicate dementia, it seems, is just beginning.

 

This story originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of Reflections of Honor.