As I embark upon another walk season with the Alzheimer's Association, I am so proud of what we as a group have accomplished.  In my role, we are often asked what is our why.   I have always been someone who has sometimes tried to swim against the tide in order to make changes happen. (I've been called feisty!)  My dad, Ray Wright, my grandmother, Winnie Wright, and my father in-law, the larger-than-life Jerry Gannotti, all died living with dementia.  Words I used during the time to describe the journey with them included horrible, awful, sad, stressful, and painful.   This is why the Alzheimer's Association exists.  We are an organization committed to helping people affected by Alzheimer's and related dementia, and committed to improving treatment, ultimately someday seeing the first survivor. What I'd like to tell people is my dad lived for baseball and  loved the Red Sox, had a dry sense of humor, and was a really great athlete and coach. His family was his #1 priority. He dedicated his life and career to teaching.  My nana was the Valedictorian of her high school class and was intelligent and articulate.  My father-in-law Jerry was an incredible artist, was charming and at times, appeared right out of central casting in terms of his irreverent behavior and zest for life, wine, and all things Italian.  These intelligent, charismatic and accomplished people all had their lights dimmed by dementia.  We are working to make things bright again. Please consider supporting Gannotti's Rays of Hope! Let's spread some sunshine and lighten the darkness for those living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, and offer support for their loved ones.  Thank you in advance for your kindness and support!