In 2011, I felt a strong call from God to become a Social Worker.  With my husband's (David) support, I returned to school to pursue a degree in Social Work. Many years before David’s diagnosis, I had participated in Walks to End Alzheimer’s although I had no family or friends with the disease - no inkling whatsoever of a reason to support this cause. While in school, I studied about Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias - and completed papers and brief presentation for my classroom at UTA. After graduating with my Master of Social Work in 2015, I worked in various nursing facilities. I saw first hand the cruelty of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.  Little did I know that God was preparing me for what was to come.  

In 2018 I began to notice changes in David's memory. He had always been such a brilliant man and engineer, so I became concerned when he struggled with tasks that had once been easy.  David was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in late 2019 and was urged by medical professionals to retire. This was certainly not the way we envisioned our lives would be at this point, but after more than 38 years of marriage - we experience The Lord's hand more than ever. We are surrounded by loving friends and family who reach out, pray for us, and encourage us.

In 2021 I was encouraged to begin a team for David. As I struggled to come up with a team name, I began praying but received no clear answer. One day I shared with David that I had been praying for a team name to honor him, and asked if he had an idea. The following morning, he told me an angel put the team name in his mind. He had gotten out of bed hours earlier and written it on a card quickly while he remembered.  He brought the card to me, and it read  “Touches of Angels”. When I asked him how he came up with that name, through tears, David said, "those who are walking on my behalf - they are each touches of angels". This precious humble husband of mine - who I wanted to honor with a team name - wanted to honor others instead. 

By participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, I’m raising funds and awareness to advance the fight against this disease — funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association® to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research.

If you feel so led, please make a donation or register as a participant and start your own fundraising. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease. 

Thank you!