My family has been plagued by Alzheimer’s Disease for over 10 years, so I have decided to dedicate my very first marathon to fighting it.

My grandad, my mom’s father, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2012. We watched the disease take him with every passing day. At first, he forgot locations (like walking into the neighbors’ house), then, he forgot my friends (introducing himself to a friend who he had known for 20+ years), finally, he forgot me and my family. He was a charm until the very end, always happy to see us. It was especially hard because he lived in Fonthill, Ontario, Canada, a 12-hour drive from us.

My gran, my mom’s mother, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2021. The disease seems to have regressed her memory quicker; we think due to the isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic. Right now, she still remembers us on our weekly Zoom call, but conversations with her are hard because of her lack of short-term memory. I will cherish every moment I have with her remaining memory, because I know all too well that it isn’t here to stay.

My mom is currently participating in a long-term Alzheimer’s Disease study at Washington University in St. Louis. Doctors at WashU will study my mom’s memory and vitals (she will have blood and spinal fluid drawn) for the rest of her life. She is a volunteer in this study; she isn’t getting paid. In addition to donating her time and her body, my mom has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Alzheimer’s Association since 2016.

I truly appreciate your support in running my first marathon, whether that takes the form of a donation to reach my goal of $1,250 or a “good luck running your marathon, crazy!”

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By participating in this event, I've committed to raising awareness and funds to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association®.

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