<p>I'm walking because I have lost two beautiful, strong willed and loving woman, my mother in law Bobbi Jean Bowman and my mother Ursula Gittler.

I am walking because after 15 years as a paramedic I have watched this disease slowly destroy so many familys, just as it did my family.

I am walking for all of the times I have held the hand of a loved one or a complete strangers as they desperately hope I could give them answers I did not have,

I am walking because of the desperation I have seen in the eyes of my family, my patients and myself as we come to terms with the fact that they are slowly slipping away, and there is nothing we can do to stop it.

I am walking so people will become aware and to know that alzheimers is a slow death and something must be done.

I am walking as I remember holding Bobbi's hand, my moms hand, and countless strangers hands as I comfort them, for they have no idea who I am, who their family members are, they have no idea where they are, when in fact they are in their on home of many years. I have seen the fear in their eyes, turn to tears, turn to rage, become confused, finally becoming vacant, with no recognition at all.

I'm walking to help reclaim the future for millions. By participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's, I'm committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support.

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.

I need your support to do my part! Please make a donation to help the Alzheimer's Association advance research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer's. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide.

Thank you for joining our movement! The end of Alzheimer's disease starts here.</p>