My great grandfather, Major General Robert Gordon Owens Jr., suffered from Alzheimer's. He passed away on October 31, 2007. He was an amazing man. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was only 3 years old, so I don't have any memories of him. But those who did have the privilege to know and love him are very proud to have known him. He served our country for over 30 years as a naval aviator and received many decorations for his service. He fought in World War II, where he helped defend Pearl Harbor, and in Vietnam. My great grandfather is my inspiration for participating in this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's.

This is my Grandpa's experience having a father with Alzheimer's:

"Grandaddy was a very bright man with a vibrant personality before getting Alzheimer's. It started to show signs when he was about 85 or so and he was fully impacted by the time he was 87 or 88. After full onset, he experienced serious delusions and had difficulty recognizing even those he loved very much. From about age 90 until he died at 92, he did not speak and usually showed no signs that he recognized us at all. It was absolutely heart breaking to lose the dad we loved for years before he died."

I am walking and raising money to help support and fund research that will hopefully prevent others from experiencing what my family went through with my great grandfather's condition.