In 2014, my father, at the age of 64, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  It was a diagnosis that we knew was coming but could never prepare ourselves to hear.  When a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, all the air seems to get sucked out of a room, you see-saw between curling up in a ball and sobbing and wanting to punch through a wall.  It shattered our lives. My father was supposed to playing with his grandkids, traveling the world, basking in the fruits of his labor. Instead he was diagnosed with a hopeless, earth-shattering, relentless, life altering, isolating, hateful disease.  

Shortly after our son, Elliot, was born, we dropped everything, left Brooklyn and moved to Franklin, TN to be closer to my parents.  I immediately got involved with the most amazing group of people at the Mid-South Alzheimer’s Association chapter.  I joined the walk committee and felt that I was able to channel the sadness this disease brings into something positive...finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

I started our walk team #BowdenStrong, and immediately got my family members to join.

The interesting thing about the human race is that most people are generous, caring, empathetic, sympathetic and loving.  It is an incredible thing to ask for help, but it is even more incredible to be the one to help.  So, I look to you, on facebook to help me raise money for the Brooklyn walk.  I set a goal of 15,000 dollars.  I donated $500 myself. I am always overwhelmed with your generosity.  People, inherently, want to help, sometimes they just don’t know how.  Here I am, asking you for help. 

So it is your turn. Your parent may have Alzheimer’s, or a grandparent, an aunt or uncle or some distant relative, maybe a friend’s parent or maybe you are walking for you - maybe you see a growing epidemic and are worried for your own future.  Whatever your reason is, walking isn’t enough, this disease needs money for research SO WE CAN FIND A CURE. Use the link below to donate or join our team. 

Use your network of friends and family for good.  Whether it is social media, an email blast, a group text, a phone call or good ole’ fashioned snail mail, sometimes people just need a reminder.

I challenge you to raise $100 for the walk. You will be amazed at how quickly you will  meet and exceed that goal.