Dad was in his late 60s when we first noticed signs that he was no longer himself. He repeated himself and had no recall of a conversation that had occurred only an hour before. He became disoriented at work, not remembering how to get back to his office space from the conference room. Most distressing were the hallucinations that were vivid enough to him to make him call 911 to report aliens in his apartment. Thus began our family’s education and deep dive into the world of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
In 2017, our father Michael Blake lost his battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a devastating combination of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease symptoms. At that time, while Alzheimer’s was very much in the public consciousness, few people were familiar with LBD. Since then, more and more people are being diagnosed with this awful disease. On October 6 I’ll be walking in my 13th Walk to End Alzheimer’s to raise funds in honor and memory of my dad.
Alzheimer’s is destroying our families, our finances and our future.
- In 2024, Alzheimer's and other dementias will cost the United States $360 billion. This number is projected to rise to nearly $1 trillion in 2050.
- Alzheimer's kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
- Over 11 million people provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia.
- Over 1000 research projects spanning six continents are actively funded by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Nearly 7 million Americans live with this degenerative illness for which there is no cure. I participate in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's so that one day researchers will figure out how to treat and halt the progression of all forms of dementia, and eventually eradicate this cruel affliction all together. Please join me and make a donation to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. Your tax-deductible contribution makes a difference.
Thank you for joining me in the fight against Alzheimer's. You honor my father's memory with your generosity and commitment.
With my love and appreciation,
Rebecca
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
6840.55
I have raised
16000
My Goal
My Achievements
Self-Donor
Fundraiser
Top Fundraiser
T-shirt
Champion
Grand Champion
Elite Grand Champion
Storyteller
Facebook Fundraiser
Mobile Master
10 DONATIONS