When I say alzheimers affects the family unit as a whole, I couldnt mean it more. Alzheimers took both of my parents from me, far before their time. One directly and one indirectly.  On May 6, 2019, I lost my dad to Alzheimer’s.  My father was an orthopedic surgeon. He was the smartest, most generous man in the entire world.  He did everything for his family and those he loved and he is missed every minute of every day. 

Watching my dad struggle with this disease in the last couple of years of his life was devastatingly difficult.   I remember feeling so helpless and alone as we navigated the inevitable.  I decided to begin walking in his honor in 2018 because it gave me a sense of being able to DO something for him.   Not even a year later I was walking in his memory.   

The love between my parents was fierce and after losing my dad in 2019, we started losing my mom as well.  Life without my dad was difficult for her and on June 17, 2022 she went to be with him at only 63 years old.   My mom was vivacious,  funny, loving and loyal.  She loved her family and would do anything for us, but the love between my parents was immeasurable.  

2022 was the first year I walked in memory of both of my parents.  It was hard.  Really hard, but there is something so beautiful about this community of people that makes it ALMOST bearable. Whenever I walk, I feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself and that I'm not alone. I am lucky to have the support of my family and this community.   I walk with my husband and my young children and it is a nice way to commemorate the lives cut short.  We spend the morning together, at the zoo talking about their grandparents and what they were like.   The Alzheimers Association has given me a way to positively reflect with my kids about my parents and for that I am eternally grateful

I'm leading the way to Alzheimer's first survivor by participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®. 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.

Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease. Please make a donation to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. 

Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer's!