Hello! 

For those of you that don't know me, my name is Ashley Walter and I walk each year for my Grandpa.  Grandpa Purnell had Alzheimer's for many years and joined our loved ones in heaven, December 2012.  

He was a wonderful man who loved to talk, talk and talk. <3 No stranger was safe from his "small chats" that could last for hours.  Sharing stories and talking about the past was one of his favorites.  And boy was he good at it! 

Fishing was another passion of his and he was able to share it with my grandma.  Some of the best memories I have, begin before the sun is up, the smell of bacon and the rattle of them getting ready for our day on the lake.  Grandma would prepare peanut butter cracker sandwiches to go along with oatmeal creme pies & cans of coke (so many not the healthiest - i'm sure we had other options as well haha).  The day would end back at their house with grandpa in the backyard cleaning the fish and grandma getting the batter ready. YUM

The lingering smell of coffee and "misplaced" dentures around the house.  Great hugs - he gave the BEST hugs.

When the disease really started to show it's ugly face, my daughter was just a few years old.  I remember one moment when both were sitting at the kitchen table eating ice cream sandwiches holding the same expressions.   Thye were sharing both ice cream and similar mental capacity. 

Although my grandpa lost most of his memories, stories and "how to's", he always remembered the love he held for my grandma. That memory I cherish the most. 

Walk To End Alzheimer's holds a special place in my heart.  I am lucky enough to not only participate but work for the Alzheimer's Association.  I spend my time raising both money and awareness that both support and aid their vision - A World Without Alzheimer's and All Other Dementia. 

Now I ask YOU, please donate to my Walk Fundraiser to join the fight against Alzheimer's.  Whether it's $5 or $500, all support helps us reach that White Flower; the first survivor.