Thank you to all who have supported my walk to honor my mom (Margaret B Hoffman) in years past. I was on the planning committee in 2020, and I will also be on the committee for this years (2021) walk planning committee.  Planning for the 2020 walk took a lot of imaginative ideas to pull it off due to the virus pandemic.  Some of the changes last year might have actually added to the quality of the event.  It will be interesting to see what new ideas from last year will continue this year.  I am also walking for myself again this year since I am still experiencing some cognitive changes which have been of concern for me.  I have not followed through with medications or testing yet.  My mom was formally diagnosed early in 2007. Alzheimer's took my mom's memories and on September 9th, 2017 it finally took her life. It did not take her spirit though, as it lives on in my heart and the heart of all those whose lives she touched in her 88 years. I will participate on August 28th, 2021 with The Waters On Mayowood Team where I have been living since 2018. I will hold my head high as I remember my mom, knowing that I and all who support the Alzheimer's Association will one day be part of the team that finally ends Alzheimer's Disease. Progress is being made in the research of Alzheimer's Disease, but I don't expect a cure will be developed in my lifetime. I still want to be part of the larger team that will find the answers needed to better treat, cure and/or prevent this terrible disease which steals memories, and eventually lives. (I don't believe it is able to steal the ones we love though. I believe my mom's essence was still in the little lady that sat across from me, but she was trapped inside that shell). Few people will get through their life without being touched by Alzheimer's, either by being diagnosed yourself or having a loved one diagnosed. My mom had good days and bad days! She changed but my love for her never changed. She rarely knew I was her daughter, but I knew who she was and that was all that mattered. My name changed constantly. I even miss hearing her call me "jack ass" which was a name which came out on several occasions. (I now tell myself it was a name of endearment she gave to people she cared about, since she felt comfortable venting her anger and frustration through that name). Many people who did not visit her missed what I got to see. Every now and again I would see a glimmer of the mom I remembered from years ago. Those few minutes made sitting several hours totally worthwhile. I also got to know the "unfiltered woman" my mom was. She was kind, generous and witty. She would propel herself around her cottage using her feet when she was in her wheelchair. She would look up at the bright lights, saying "bing, bing, bing", or "toot, toot, toot". She seemed to be in her own world then, but she was content. Other times mom would come up with some off the cuff remark at just the right time. Her remarks could make people laugh and lessen tension at just the right time. My mom was also my friend and she gave my life purpose. She is still part of my heart. I don't want to see more lives devastated by this disease, so I will fight as long as I am able to find the end of Alzheimer's (AKA THE LONG GOODBYE). Anyone who donates $10 or more to my walk can receive a personalized face mask sewn by me with your choice of colors and up to 30 characters of personalization. For donations of $15 or more you can receive a "dammit doll" made by me. Those who donate $25 or more can receive A Bucket List of "Moments of Joy Created for Loved Ones with Dementia and Yourself". I created this covered bound journal using inspiration from the books "Creating Moments of Joy" written by Jolene Brackey, and "Soup for the Soul Living with Alzheimer's & Other Dementia's". Inside you will find several pages of inspirational poems, sayings, and over 50 quotes, along with suggestions for dealing with your loved one, and with 25 pages specifically devoted to plan up to 25 activities to create "A Moment of Joy" or even to record the specifics of favorite memories you may have. My goal is set to be $500 this year. You may donate by signing into my web page and donating online or else you can write a check to the Alzheimer's Association and mail it to me. I can then scan it using the app and it will appear on my donor wall and count towards my goal immediately. If you would prefer to print off a form from the bottom of the page and mail it directly to the Alzheimer's Association that is fine as well. (It might not post for several weeks, and not go directly to my walk but it will still go to a good cause). If you wish to receive a personalized face mask, a "dammit doll" or Bucket List please contact me using my information which will follow. Please allow a few weeks before I get your mask, doll or list finished and delivered to you. You can contact me by: Phone: 507-282-4164 Email: valldh@aol.com, or write me at 827 MAYOWOOD RD SW, APT 122 Rochester MN 55902 Thank you so much for all your support for me and my mother. Please help fight to End Alzheimer's Disease. The link to my page is http://act.alz.org/goto/DebbieHoffman Most Sincerely, Debbie Hoffman