If irony isn’t the story of my life, when I started my job in April 2021, part of my position includes marketing and in turn, a representative and organizer of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s that is happening in Panora on August 13, 2022.

I’ve worked with Alzheimer’s and dementia in my career for many years, so becoming an organizer was actually very appropriate and exciting. I’ve helped organize events and walks like this for a few different organizations that are near and dear to my heart, so this was definitely on point for me. 

As you know, my mom was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in Summer 2021. While it was very hard to hear, many of the signs had been there, but I didn’t want to jump to conclusions. While we still have several appointments and testing to go, the main objective right now is to keep her vital organs working at their best. The majority of people that pass away from Vascular Dementia do so because of additional strokes, heart attacks, etc. 

Knowing what lies ahead is absolutely terrifying. Not knowing is even more scary to be honest. She is doing well now that we have meds figured out, but this disease is very nasty. It changes frequently and abrasively and can go from ok to absolutely heartbreaking very quickly. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia and this organization and this walk represents dementia as a whole. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. 

Funding for this organization is vital to the future of dementia related diagnoses. The research being done, along with the resources developed for people with this disease and their loved ones is paramount right now and in the future. 

Many of you choose various organizations to support throughout the year and I am humbly asking for your support for this one. I am walking on August 13th for all my residents and people I interact with on a daily basis, but most importantly, for my mom. I am walking for the people I know here that have lost someone to Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. I am walking to bring awareness and knowledge of this disease to the forefront. 

I don’t know if their research will save my mom in the end. I don’t know how what my mom’s story is going to ultimately look like. But I do know that this organization will continue to work tirelessly to find a cure, to find methods to lessen the side effects, and to help so many people out there that have their memories ripped from their life by this absolutely horrific disease. 

If you are looking for an organization or event to support this year, I ask that you choose the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I am including my direct link below. The funds go straight to the organization, there is no middle man! 

JOIN ME in helping to #endALZ because #memoriesmatter 

If you have questions, feel free to DM me or comment below!  

The 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held at the Michael Mills park in Panora on Saturday, August 13th with registration beginning at 8:00am. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:00am and the Walk itself will start at 9:30am. I’d love to see as many people as possible there! 

Walk for my mom. Walk for your own loved ones that have suffered from this disease. Walk for the future generations that will hopefully not have to deal with this because of the work we are doing right now. 

THANK YOU!