My father, LeMoine C "Willie" Wheeler was a brilliant and funny guy. He was the person you wanted to sit next to at a dinner party. Alzheimer’s attacked his brain and destroyed his mind. Taking care of him nearly killed my mother. That's why I support the Tallahassee Walk to End Alzheimer's and the effort to #ENDALZ.

Alzheimer’s, and all forms of dementia, are a personal, family, community, and national tragedy. Persons with dementia lose their memories, themselves, and ultimately their lives. Their families face the struggle, hardship, and expense of caring for them. Communities are impacted by the loss of those declining with dementia and the loss of those preoccupied taking care of them. The nation and its economy suffer from those leaving the workforce with dementia and those caring for them. The costs associated with caring for persons with dementia are huge and will only grow exponentially. We need effective treatments, and ultimately a cure. These are the reasons why I walk and do all I do to support the Alzheimer’s Association.