This is my 19th year participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer's. It is my goal to raise money to donate in memory of my joy-filled dad. He lost his fight on June 13th, 2014, just months before my daughter, Victoria, was born. While she feels like she knows grandpa from our stories and grandpa's love for home videos, she says, "I wish I didn't have to wait to see grandpa in Heaven" and it breaks my heart that she has to process why she can't meet grandpa, in person, at the age of 8. She inherited his striking blue eyes and she and my son, were blessed with his joy and love to be around people, especially entertaining them.

At the Lake County Walk to End Alzheimer's, my daughter,  got to carry the very special one, white flower, which signifies hope for a cure for the future. It brought tears to my eyes to see my dad's tutu-wearing granddaughter proudly raising the beautiful, untarnished, symbol of hope of life, unblemished by this sickening disease. The idea that another grandparent will live to meet their grandchildren and experience life, joy, celebration, sharing their passion for music, dance, art, their stories, the list goes on, is why I walk. Join me in the fight to end this disease. The end of Alzheimer's begins with you and I. Thank you and God bless you!