For Edward Utz - By Edward (Jack) Greenwald
As a resident of Manhattan, having grown up near NYC in CT, and planning to stay for many more years to come - it has been a longtime dream of mine to run in the NYC Marathon. I have run just one Marathon previously - the Big Sur Marathon. It was an unbelievably phenomenal experience, but there is simply no other race like NYC.
I considered a number of avenues over the years to run in this race, but in doing a great deal of research on a plethora of organizations, running for the Alzheimer's Association has always been the immediate calling for me - as my maternal grandfather - Edward Utz - suffered from Alzheimer's, and ultimately passed away as a result. What was even more impactful for me in this regard, is the fact that I never got to truly know him as he was before this disease, as my earliest memories of him consisted mainly of him repeating phrases and being unable to hold/maintain full conversations with me. As a young boy, I could not understand how he was so physically fit, and yet unable to converse with me as my other grandparents did.
As I have grown up to be a man, matured, and learned to understand what the disease of Alzheimer’s was and is, my knowledge of him as an individual is that we were very much alike, and we were robbed of many happy moments and experiences to share together. He was an athlete, he was charming, he was funny, he was handsome (!), and he was a devoted husband, father, and family man.
I speak with my mother and family quite often about how much I would have loved his true persona, and he mine, had we really gotten to know each other - an opportunity that was taken from us by this terrible disease.
It is now my honor to run for Team ALZ, and raise -- at a minimum -- $4,200, as part of my entry in the 2024 marathon. The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. I particularly appreciate the mission of the Alz Association's efforts to end all other dementia or other memory related diseases. Another reason this is close to my heart, is that my beloved paternal grandfather Jonathan Greenwald was also severely impacted by memory loss issues in the last few years of his life.
One day, I hope grandkids and family members will not be deprived the enjoyment and company of their loved ones due to this terrible disease. Thanks to the work of this incredible organization, that may be possible in our lifetimes.
As fate would have it for this year’s race, the 2024 NYC TCS Marathon on Sunday, November 3rd also marks my Grandmother Rose’s (Ed's wife) 93rd birthday. Rose is the foundation and matriarch of the incredible family I am part of (Team Utz!) - and without her, I could not be any part of the person I am. I run for her in equal measure.
Please consider helping me reach my goal - every bit helps, and thank you in advance!
Love Always,
Edward Utz's Grandson
Edward (Jack)
Edward Jack Greenwald
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