My mother, Pauline Trifaro, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's while living in Florida. The first four years she had general memory loss, would get upset easily, wasn't able to drive because she would forget how to get home and had to stop shopping, which she loved, due to her forgetting why she was there which would make her confused and upset. When things started to get worse our family decided it was best for her to move back to New York so more people could help care for her. As the years went on the decline happened quicker and we went from family caring for her, to a nurse a couple of days a week and her going to to an adult day care twice a week to 24-hour care at home with nurses and family. My sister's house, where mom lived, had cameras installed so she could be monitored around the clock. Her bedroom door was locked and someone always slept in the room with her to make sure if she woke up at night she didn't get out and get lost. On April 11, 2016 the home care was not enough and mom entered a nursing home, this is when things really became bad. For 3 1/2 years mom struggled with basic things like walking, talking, eating and drinking. Towards the end food was pureed, drinks were thickened but the ability for her to swallow was not going as well. She used every ounce of strength to continue to fight but after two plus weeks of not eating or drinking, and the extreme weight loss, her body could not handle any more. Mom lost her battle with Alzheimer's on October 6, 2019 but we will continue her fight until a cure is found. No person or family should have to witness such a brutal disease.

I am also walking for Grandma Jean, Aunt Margie and Aunt Alice from my husband's side of the family. I just found out that all three sisters suffered from this disease many years ago.

If anyone wants to join our team, please do so. The more support we can all give each other helps us get through this. Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease. If possible, please make a donation to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.

Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer's!