I walk for both my Grandmothers: In remembrance of Betsy Sakata, who lost her battle in 2015 after 13 years with the disease, and in honor of Dorothy Shimabukuro, who is midst her journey with the disease now.

I loved playing card games with Grandma Betsy in the earlier years when she still remembered the rules and later enjoyed making word searches for her with names of different flowers since she had a love of water lilies. Grandma Dorothy has had dementia for the past few years now. When I am visiting her, I enjoy helping her finish her newest puzzle (though she is way better at doing this than I am). And she still insists on helping in the kitchen when the whole family is over.  

I have always admired both their abilities to bring people together. Even now, they have inspired me to get involved with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which has led me to meet so many others that have a similar passion for the finding a cure for this disease.

This is my 6th Walk to End Alzheimer’s and my 4thyear on the Planning Committee of the Walk. Please consider donating towards research and support for caregivers, joining my team, and/or spreading the word. Alzheimer’s disease is relentless, but so are we. 

Will you help?