This photo is just one of a thousand favorite memories I have with my Pappy. It reflects how creative he was, how thoughtful he was, and how loving he was.  He and my gram had a large family, and he was so intentional about the time and memories made with each one of us. Collectively there must be tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of unique memories we hold - unique memories that he lost in the years prior to Alzheimer's taking his life. I walk to remember those moments with my family.

With Alzheimer's, there is no rhyme or reason for who gets it, and if you have it, there is nothing that you can do to stop it. You do not get a choice to try and fight for your life. An Alzheimer's diagnosis is just the beginning of a slow fade to the end of your life. First, you start losing your short-term memory, then the ability to reason, the ability to continue doing things you enjoyed, the ability to remember your past and where you came from, the ability to get dressed, to use the bathroom, to eat, and eventually you can no longer recall the people around you, the places, or figure out what is going on. When a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, you lose them in parts, over years, mourning the loss over and over and over, each step of the way. I walk because we need hope and a choice to fight for life after an Alzheimer's diagnosis.

By participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, I raise funds and awareness to advance the fight against this disease — funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support. This support is a godsend for caretakers, and I have been thankful to offer this hope to people who are struggling as they care for their loved ones.  Funds that support critical research, not only for Alzheimer's, but also for other types of dementia. I walk to raise funds for an organization that is providing financial provisions towards cutting edge research, which has created medications to slow down progression and provide more years of a quality life. 

Please donate or register as a participant with us and start your own fundraising. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease. THANK YOU FOR BEING MY SUPPORT THROUGH THIS JOURNEY!