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.

Two years ago was my first walk as a volunteer. Last year, I decided to be a part of the subcommittee to help organize the event. This will be my second year on the subcommittee and I’m excited to be a part of something so big and that means so much to me. I hope you all can be a part of this one way or another with me. 

Losing my father to this disease was one of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to overcome. There isn’t a day where I don’t think of his smile. My father was the first man I ever loved and I miss him dearly every day. I know I’m making him proud advocating for such an important cause. I promised myself after my first walk that it wouldn’t be my last. There is still no cure and I hope I live to see the day where there is a cure so that no one has to go through this again.

Once Alzheimer’s takes over it’s like you don’t even know the person anymore. I learned a lot being one of his caregivers. Patience is extremely important when caring for someone with this disease. I know that through all the bad moments that he still knew who I was which was heartwarming. I learned to always be kind to him and to care for him and to treat him as if nothing was wrong. Some days I felt defeated and I wanted to give up but I knew my father would never give up on me so I would try to look at this time in our lives as another obstacle we would be able to overcome together. 

My father taught me how to speak English, Spanish and Portuguese all before I turned five years old. When I was younger, I didn’t see the importance in being bilingual nonetheless trilingual. Now, I am forever grateful for all those times where he pushed me to keep learning. He taught me the importance of education and hard work. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be the person that I am.

Since losing my father, I have changed my outlook on a lot of things. I learned to look at certain situations in a more positive outlook. I was devastated when I lost him to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. But then I began to look at this in a different way “I’m sad that he’s gone but I am happy he’s no longer suffering”. I now use that in situations that once would have upset me. I’ve learned that life is too short to be sad and tomorrow is never promised.

I hope you all read my story and sympathize one way or another and support this cause. Whether it’s donating or sharing the link or sharing with a friend or just walking on September 23, 2022, I would appreciate it greatly to know that my story may be relatable or may have touched you somehow.

I want people to know that even with this disease that they are still the person you knew them as. Don’t forget who they were. Don’t argue with them when they don’t remember, just agree with them. It’s not worth the aggravation or fight. Please don’t forget who they were. Dealing with a person with these diseases isn't easy but remember that time is limited and that you need to spend as much time as you can with them before it’s too late. 

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!