My Grandma Cindy was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease 7 years ago and on August 22nd, 2023 at 9:10 PM she passed in her home surrounded by our family.

Thinking back to growing up with my grandma, I was blessed to have her in my life for the amount of time we had, making countless memories during sleepovers, spending time at Big Marine Lake, or eating our way through the Minnesota State Fair. But reflecting on the last 10 years as she began showing signs and received her diagnosis, I had to watch my Grandma fade from her vibrant, witty, and joking personality. Alzheimer’s is a difficult disease to cope with because the person you love may be standing in front of you but the ability to create shared memories is taken long before the disease eventually takes their life. But you cope through the memories of her laughing and traditions that are carried on beyond the loss, like eating the same malt that Grandma & Grandpa have had at the fair for over 50 years together♡

Last year, I ran the Chicago Marathon with the Alzheimer’s Association to help in the fight towards a cure for Alzheimer’s. I watched how this disease affected my Grandma, and those around her as well. Not only do you have to watch your loved one slowly forget shared memories, familiar faces and places, and how to do everyday tasks, but you must become their support system, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect the 55 million people worldwide diagnosed with the disease, it affects those closest to them in ways you can’t imagine until you are in their position.

On October 9th, 2023 I will be running the Chicago Marathon again, in honor and remembrance of my Grandma Cindy, and in honor of my Grandpa Patrick who cared for her until the very end and will continue to love her everyday. No one wants to think about or picture losing someone they love to a disease that slowly takes them from you, so please help fight with me and make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. All funds raised will work to enhance care and support programs, advance research toward methods of treatment and prevention, and ultimately, find a cure for Alzheimer's disease ♡♡♡ #ENDALZ