Back in 2019, I signed up to run the 2020 Chicago Marathon with the official ALZ Stars team but due to the spread of COVID-19, the event was cancelled. As I had already trained and raised over $6,000 for Alzheimer's with the help of over 100 generous donors, I still chose to run 26.2 miles on my own at home in California with my entire family waiting at the finish line for me.

Alzheimer’s runs deep in my family — my great aunt and grandmother both passed from the disease, and my father was diagnosed with Early-onset ALZ three years ago. I moved home in August of 2020 to help my Mom with caregiving duties, which lasted for about 18 months until we placed my father in a long-term memory care home this past March. Grieving a loved one with advancing Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t happen in a straight line. Some days I wake up hopeful, energized by the reminder that life can be so fragile so we must all make the most of it while we’re here, and other days I wake up deeply depressed, missing my father, knowing that while he is still alive, he is no longer the man that he used to be, stuck inside of a body and brain that are failing him. 

Raising money for a cause so close to my heart helps to lessen the burden and grind of marathon training. It’s hard to put into words the amount of gratitude I have towards every individual who has helped me along my marathon training and fundraising journey. Doing something outside of my comfort zone with the support of an entire army of friends and loved ones is one of the most rewarding feelings that life has to offer. 

Currently, more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and that number is expected to grow to nearly 13 million by 2050. Our future is at risk and we must come together to change the course of this disease.

Please support my efforts by making a donation, no matter the size! All funds raised benefit the Alzheimer's Association and its work to enhance care and support programs and advance research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer's disease. 

By participating in the 2022 Chicago Marathon event, I'm seeking revenge for the cancelled 2020 event and raising awareness & funds to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. My Dad won’t be there at the finish line in Chicago this time around, but I’ll have him, my grandma, and my great aunt in my thoughts along every mile of the race as my motivation.

Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer’s disease!​