As I approach my 70th birthday, I come to you again, asking for support for the Walk to End Alzheimer's. While I am thankful for fairly good health and abilities, I think of my dad when his 70th birthday came around. He had already lost his woodworking skills and the ability to play the organ. Words were hard to find. Faces were still familiar, but names escaped him on many occasions. Daily tasks were difficult and confusing. His frustration and depression as the disease progressed were obvious and hard to accept. I walk, along with my family, to help find the cure for this terrible disease and the toll it takes on families and caregivers. Please join us in this fight for a cure. 

Grandpa's Gang will Walk to End Alzheimer's in memory of my dad, as we have for many years now. In October 2010, Dad lost his battle with Alzheimer's after several years of struggles against this disease. Join us as we walk to honor Dad's efforts to stay with us as Alzheimer's slowly took him from us and all the time Mom spent by his side. Help us work towards an end to Alzheimer's so that others will not have to suffer the cruelty and loss of this disease.

Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.

I need your support to do my part! Please make a donation to help the Alzheimer's Association advance research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer's. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide.

Thank you for joining our movement! The end of Alzheimer's disease starts with us.