57 years young was the age my mom...best friend, role model, and loving mother...was diagnosed with Early On-set Alzheimer's Disease in 2006. I was 33 years old at the time and in complete denial that Alzheimer's could strike someone so young. After understanding more about the disease, I became angry because no treatments, cures, or survivors existed. It wasn't fair to be losing my mom so young and I had yet to get married or have any children for her to adore. 

Soon I found comfort with the life-changing resource of the Alzheimer's Association. This organization provided me an outlet for my anger and turned it into motivation to make a difference for those touched by the disease. I became a Team Lead for the Walk to End Alzheimer's in 2009 and raised some awareness and money towards the cause but it wasn't enough. I wanted to make a true impact so I put 100% effort into fundraising, volunteering, advocating and educating many people on a local and national level. I just wanted to help find a cure before I completely lost my mom.

Unfortunately, no treatments, cures, or survivors exist today and I lost my mom to this horrific, life-stealing disease 6 years after her diagnosis when she was 63 years old. Throughout the disease, I lost her over and over again. She couldn't speak, remember or even get herself dressed. To watch your greatest love go through Alzheimer's was like getting suffocated then revived on a regular basis. But this disease and her passing did not stop me from fighting to find a cure. I will not stop until they find a treatment or cure for Alzheimer's Disease.

Will you please help my crusade by donating any amount today?