If you are reading this, you likely knew my Mom - Amy Shimkus. Ten years ago she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. We sought treatment through drug therapies, cognitive therapies and she even participated in a drug trial. She told me back then she knew that participating in the trial would likely not help her, but she hoped it helped someone, sometime. My Mom was a nurse. She worked the graveyard shift my entire childhood. She took care of her patients at night and her three kids during the day. At some point she started moonlighting in nursing homes to help with our college bills. She was always thinking of others. She was called "Nurse Amy" by the heroes that cared for her on her memory unit because she "helped” take care of the other residents.  She helped my husband and me raise our kids - she lived with us for 18 years! She didn't miss a game, meet or concert for all three of my boys. She adored her grand dog RBI - AKA Ribby and missed him so much that she had several stuffed look-a-likes that she cared for at her Nursing Home as if they were real. I think Alzheimer's is cruel. I watched it rob my Mom of the years where she should have been enjoying herself with family and friends. No one should have to suffer from this disease. My Mom passed away March 23, 2022 and this year I am leading “Amy’s Army” to walk in memory of my beautiful mother who I miss dearly.

Alzheimer’s isn’t stopping and neither are we. By participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, I’m raising funds and awareness to advance the fight against this disease — funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association® to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research.

Families facing Alzheimer’s and all other dementia need us now more than ever — and with your help, we can be there for them. Please make a donation or register to walk with my team! Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease. 

Thank you!

Tracy