It has now been four years since my Mom was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at the young age of 60 and nearly two years since we moved her into a memory care home. We’ve been allowed to visit her in-person this year which has been a huge blessing. Sadly, the Mom I used to know, the one who was energetic, talkative, creative, and caring, has pretty much faded away. The hardest day for me personally occurred about a month ago while I was at the fairgrounds, preparing for the start of the Monroe County Fair. My Mom spent countless hours volunteering her time to the 4-H program and made so many friends that we consider family. When a close friend of hers asked how she was doing, I was quickly overcome with emotion. It didn’t dawn on me until later that evening that this would be the first fair she’d miss. It’s often said that with Alzheimer’s, you lose the person twice – once when the memory loss overtakes their mind and again at death. Trying to deal with this long good-bye has been tough for all of us.Monroe’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Saturday, September 25th at St. Mary’s Park. For the fourth year in a row, I am reaching out to my family and friends to support our efforts to find a cure for this disease whether it be through a monetary donation or walking. Above all, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, especially my Dad. Thank you all kindly!