Grammy was my best friend and I will never forget the day she was diagnosed with this horrible disease. 

This was back in 2008, I had just left class around 9:00pm and I called my mother to find out how Grammy's doctors appointment went. She hesitated to answer but after wiping her tears, she told me that Grammy was diagnosed with dementia. Everything around me stopped moving and it felt like my heart stopped. I didn't want to believe this was happening.

Grammy was the most vibrant, outgoing, courageous, strong, fun, and loving person in the world. She was my best friend. When I was a kid, and just about up to my teenage years I would sleepover her house just because. I didn't need a reason to hang out with her. I mean even though she definitely spoiled me all the time, I never took advantage of this. I still think about all the pancakes she used to make me and my sister when we stayed over.

As I get older, living without her gets harder. I wish she was here to go through certain milestones, moments and memories. This year has been exceptionally hard on me with a major life threatening surgery and I needed her strength more than anything. I wish nothing but Grammy's strength to overcome this obstacle in life. 

I keep her not only in my heart but I have her signature "Grammy" tattooed on my right ankle along with a butterfly on my leg. I am sure she's not too fond of it but I love it and I love her. I will always have a piece of her with me every single day. 

This disease took my best friend away from me and I'd give anything to have her back in my life. I need everyone's support here to raise awareness and donate to this meaningful cause. Don't let this take your best friend away from you. 

I am truly committed to walking for Team Grammy and curing this disease. 

Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.

Thank you for joining the movement! The end of Alzheimer's disease starts with you.