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The PURPLE CANOE/TLD launched in the fierce winds of June 2021 to help in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. We continue to paddle our way across the U.S.!

Our quest to fulfill that bucket list item to paddle all 50 states with the PURPLE CANOE is looking promising! Our goal to raise awareness around the country and talk directly with those who are impacted continues. It's been an emotional journey as the stories we hear are courageous, heartbreaking, and at the same time, heartwarming.

There have been so many highlights on this quest. A 10 states in 10 days challenge, a 63 day road trip to Alaska, D.C. and my first protest rally, the amazing colors of the SW, the beauty of autumn in New England and so much more. The true highlights were the people we met all along the way whose lives had been impacted by dementias. Their emotional experiences left me teary eyed but with a renewed resolve to have their stories told. I hope we parted with them feeling that we are dedicated to supporting families and finding that cure.

We have now paddled a total of 49 states! The trip to paddle the last 3 mainland states of CO, UT and Oregon was beyond what I ever could have imagined.  We reconnected with fellow campers in Salt Lake City who had been impacted by dementia and shared a few more stories.  It was also the first time ever for me to experience Oregon and it could not have been more stunning.  We reconnected with some men we met on a fishing charter in Alaska in 2022 near Portland.  Who knew that the July day in ‘22 would come back to shake up my emotions and renew my resolve to stay in this fight!?!

Eyes are on Hawaii now ~ not sure when and how but it will happen.

In the meantime, we will continue to spread awareness, share stories and bring light to those impacted by dementia. Our paddle adventures will continue as long as dementia afflicts over 50 million people worldwide and we can lift a paddle!

I’ll continue to be a public policy advocate.   We need to continue to partner with our lawmakers to federally fund initiatives and implement new bills that support research, education, patients & families and caregivers. It is more important than ever as the many costs of dementia care and research are rising.

My parents experienced different types of dementia and this is a small way to honor their memories and give back to those who supported us then and now. My heart breaks a little each day at the suffering they endured.

Every dollar donated leads us one step, one paddle stroke, closer to a cure! Every dollar given has great meaning and offers hope.  We aren't quite sure how much money we have raised over the years but what we do know is that each time The Purple Canoe page receives a donation, we get a little message. Your support lifts us on our journey and we are grateful!

Thank you so much for your support!!

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