On December 2, 2020, my family found out that my father has Alzheimer’s. It has changed the course of all our lives and still, I recognize, that we are only one family that is experiencing this.

This disease called Alzheimer’s gives one the opportunity to be present with their loved one and meet them where they are —instead of holding an agenda of what they are supposed to do or be. My dad is not who he was before and so in a certain sense, I have a new dad. 

I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk with other people who may be experiencing Alzheimer’s themselves as well as their family members. The opportunity to not only experience togetherness in this way but to hopefully raise money to advance research and radical healing towards Alzheimer’s, brings hope and potential change.

I walk for my dad, Walter Joseph Parazaider.

I walk for all those experiencing Alzheimer’s.

I walk for the families who are mourning a loved one who has transitioned from Alzheimer’s.

I walk for the families who are navigating being with and meeting their “new loved one” on this side of the veil.

Moving forward with courage, I say “Ultreya!”

Thank you for your support and love,

Rev. Felicia Parazaider