Hello! For those of you that do not know me ... I am Kat Rufrano and this is my story :

It was the summer of 2012, shortly after celebrating my fortieth birthday. I was visiting with my mom Barbara and good friend Minnie inside my home when my mom turned to me and asked "Did you go to your fortieth birthday party?" Minnie and I surprisingly looked at each other. Dumbfounded by the question, I replied back "Mom, do you realize that you're asking me , If I attended my own birthday party? She quickly and seriously responded " Well did you? " Yes mom , yes I did.
In retrospect, my world changed at that very moment! As a former health care worker, I feared something was not right with my mom! A neurologist appointment later confirmed my fear, delivering the diagnosis no-one ever wants to hear - your mom has Alzheimer's! At age 68, her journey fighting this degenerative and incurable disease had just begun.

Once a person is diagnosed with Alzheimers, The average life expectancy is about eight to ten years! .Scientists are trying to develop treatments and raise awareness of preventative strategies,

However, there's still no cure!

Since the diagnosis, my story became our story. My dad George , my brothers George and Jimmy , my sister Barbara and myself have been put to the ultimate test. My family and I continue to helplessly watch the person who we all love so deeply slip further away! Alzheimers has now stolen her memory, her voice, and mobility. Eventually the disease will take her life! I have witnessed first hand what it is like to mourn someone who is still alive!

Helping others has always been a passion of mine. So today, I ask you to help me make a difference helping others through the power of donation .  #TheLongestDay #ENDALZ.   

Thank You, Let's End Alzheimer's,

Kathleen Rufrano