Millsboro 85-year-old to skydive for a cause Aug. 5

Millsboro resident Wendy Biggs has big plans for celebrating a milestone birthday this year.

While some would be happy with a party or visit from family and friends, Biggs is preparing to jump from a plane just days after her 85th birthday.

“I want to continue to increase awareness of the importance of learning about Alzheimer’s,” said Biggs. “We’re steps ahead of where we’ve been with the disease. I feel very fortunate, and I want to continue to help others. I decided to skydive for my birthday, and I wanted it to be for a good purpose. So I chose Alzheimer’s.”

Biggs has been working toward the Alzheimer’s Association vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia since losing her longtime friend, Rod Sirois, to dementia in 2016. The following year, she started the team Wendy’s Warriors and recruited friends to join her in supporting the Rehoboth Beach Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The team has been at the top of the fundraising charts ever since.

Biggs turned her team captain role over to a new leader this year, but rest assured, having been built upon a strong foundation, the team of two dozen continues on as strong as ever. Under the leadership of Renee Novak, the newly named Indy’s Warriors – giving a nod to their 55+ community, Independence, near Millsboro – sits at the top of the leaderboard headed toward its $17,500 goal. The community will hold three walks of varying distances on the same day as the Rehoboth Walk to End Alzheimer’s, to accommodate people’s preferences and abilities.

But first, Biggs – accompanied by family, friends and Independence community neighbors – will embark upon a skydiving adventure Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Ocean City Municipal Airport in Berlin, Md. (weather permitting).

A recent email to Independence residents said, “Wendy will take the first step of the walk to end Alzheimer’s by stepping out of a perfectly good airplane! Let’s all be there and show support.”

“Jumping anyone can do,” said Biggs. “I am doing it to bring attention to the need for funds to find treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's and other dementias.” When she’s not jumping out of planes, Biggs reaches out to friends in all places to ask for donations through a program she calls Away Friends.

So far, this woman who shows no signs of slowing down has raised $6,700, handily surpassing her $5,000 goal, to fund Alzheimer’s Association programs of care, support and research.

In-person registration for the Rehoboth Beach Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Fighting for a Different Future will open at 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. A promise garden ceremony will be held at 9 a.m., followed by the walk on the Boardwalk.

To register in advance or donate, go to alz.org/walk.