I hate Alzheimer's Disease because it stole my mom from me. She was diagnosed when she was only 56 years old when I was in high school. Before AD showed up in her life, my mom was a vibrant, intelligent woman who traveled the world, taught Spanish, and was the most dedicated, loving mother you could find. I cannot express how difficult it has been watching her deteriorate, starting with being "forgetful," then losing the ability to drive or remember Spanish, then becoming confused and forgetting important facts like her own birthday, the ages of her children, and my fiance's name, and then losing the ability to do everyday tasks such as shower or brush her teeth. Then there were hallucinations and delusions, anger, and verbal outbursts.

On March 1, 2018 mom had to move to a long-term memory care facility. This has  been devastating for myself and my family, and, for me in particular, it has felt like a funeral of sorts. Mom no longer recognizes me or my family members and this is traumatic to say the least. She missed my bridal shower, wedding day, graduation from my PhD, and the birth of my first child. There are constantly times I wish she could enjoy these milestones with me or give me motherly advice and support. I am working toward finding loving acceptance of the situation, praying for her and raising money, as those are the only things I can currently do. I have gained comfort through the idea that living my best life is the best gift I can give to her. 

No one should EVER have to go through Alzheimer's or helplessly watch anyone else suffer from it. For that reason, I am thrilled this walk exists, reducing the incredible stigma associated with this illness, raising awareness, and raising funds for caretakers and those who have AD.

This is for you, mom! Please donate to help create a better future WITHOUT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE! How do YOU want to be remembered?

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Alzheimer’s disease is relentless. So are we. JOIN OUR TEAM for the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

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After raising $14,461 through Hilarity for Charity, I'm shooting for another $500 for this walk. As we are not walking this year due to COVID-19, please consider virtually donating any amount.