I got involved in the Walk to End Alzheimer's in the summer of 2013 to honor my Uncle Sam and Aunt Judy. The team name of Bart's Brigade is a tribute to Sam. He was a Bart Simpson fan and much like Bart, my Uncle Sam was the family cut-up and could be quite the rascal. Our family lost Sam in May 2012 to Alzheimer's. Sam never developed the disease, but the years of almost solitary caregiving to his beloved Judy broke him down and took him away.

After many years of living with Alzheimer's, my Aunt Judy joined her beloved Samuel in January 2016 and I continue to walk. I walk to honor and remember this amazing couple. I walk for the grandchildren being robbed of the blessed opportunity I had to love and learn from my grandparents well into my adult years. I walk for the courageous men and women battling this disease everyday with strength and integrity and I walk for the care partners taking this journey alongside them. I walk to do more and to know more. I walk because I believe the end of this awful disease can begin with me. Please believe too!

Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. 80-85% of care for people with Alzheimer's and related dementia conditions is given by family members. As with my family's experience, studies show it is not unusual for caregivers to die before their charges. These caregivers need help; they need our help! In addition to funding research to better treat current sufferers and to hopefully end the threat of future sufferers, the Alzheimer's Association provides on-going education and care support for these dedicated caregivers. I need your help to do my part! Please make a donation to help the Alzheimer's Association continue this incredibly important work. Thank you for joining our movement! The end of Alzheimer's disease can begin with us!