This is the second year that my family and I will participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer's.  If anyone knows my wife, they know her to have always been a loving and caring soul with a beautiful smile and a willingness to help whomever and whenever she could.  In 2020 Carole was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.  She had been experiencing difficulty finding words, and her condition had progressed over several years - finally reaching the point where it made her feel she needed to stop working in her chosen career of dental hygiene.  We have since learned Carole's true diagnosis is Frontotemporal Dementia, and it has progressed fairly rapidly.  In the beginning of 2020, virtually no one could tell anything different in Carole's behavior.  She was working, lifting weights, running long distance, cooking meals, driving, and participating fully in life. Just 3 1/2 years have passed, and she can no longer do any of those things.  Communicating is extremely difficult for her, and she needs assistance with brushing her teeth, showering, getting dressed, knowing where things belong, and so much more.  She can no longer tell someone her address, my phone number, or even the names of her children.  Several months ago she began attending a daycare facility for adults, because it is not safe for her to be alone.  She is home with me in the evening and on weekends.  Carole still looks like Carole and offers the same beautiful smile when she sees a familiar face, but she has already lost a tremendous amount of independence and ability.  My father was an amazing father and unfortunately lost his life from advanced dementia in 2016.  This is a horrible disease in all of its variations.  The Walk to End Alzheimer's is an opportunity for us to do something positive to fight back.  It helps us support the organization that offers information and support for others dealing with this disease and also to help fund research in the hopes of finding a cure one day.  If you have the capacity to contribute ANY amount to our cause, trust me, it is appreciated more than you may ever know. Every dollar helps.  If you are able, and would like to join our team, please do.  We have strength in numbers!  Please help us to do what we can to find a cure.