This year is so very different. This year for the first time I will hold the purple flower and feel the gravity that it holds. This year I am fighting stronger than ever to end Alzheimer's. While I'm happy that grandpa is healthy and telling jokes in heaven now, I miss my best friend, my coffee buddy, my story teller so much. This year, more than ever, it's all for you grandpa- love you!

My personal fight started in 2011- I was working in long term care and was often working with those affected by Dementia and Alzheimer's. It didn't take long to see the effect it had on families and want to be more involved in support and education. 

In 2016- Grand Ted was diagnosed, the same year God brought our little family of three back to Michigan. I can say now that was divine timing and I am forever grateful for the closeness and all the time we've had together. Anyone who ever met Grandpa Ted knew his amazing personality. He became little bit different each day, but his spark, his humour and his wit are were there til his last day. Watching this disease take a little bit of him every day, take his memories, his stories, was one of the hardest things our family has ever gone through. It is the constant reminder that we need to keep fighting. To fight for the cure so that one day families won't have to go through this in the same way. So that one day I can explain to my kids, who adored their Grandpa Ted, that everything they've done to fundraise made a difference. I can tell them one day that everything they did mattered so much and found us a cure! 

#endalz #teamted #colleystrong

Consider joining our team and walking with us September 24, donating to help me reach my goal, or to Team Ted to help our team reach it's goal, or simply sending us an encouraging message and sharing our page or any info about the Walk. The more we can spread awareness and reach more families like ours, the better! 

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 as a participant and start your own fundraising. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease. 

Thank you!