Friends and Family,

Here’s my annual appeal on behalf of the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

2023 marks our 12th year as a family in our journey with Alzheimer’s.  As many had advised me previously, it doesn’t get easier, each year just has new challenges.  As I write, we are dealing with an acceleration in Nancy’s decline the past couple months with more agitation, withdrawal from activity or engagement, and sleeping 16-18 hours a day.   She still knows my name, but believes I’m one of her brothers or a friend. Other times she will recognize a visitor she hasn’t seen in some time.

2023 marks another milestone as recently, the FDA approved the first drug shown to alter the course of Alzheimer’s in some individuals in early stage.  This is why we’ve been such supporters of the Alzheimer’s Association. They are the largest private supporter of research, advocacy and care for those affected by this disease and other dementias.  Their direct efforts led to the increased federal funding for research that led to this new medication and others yet to come.  Nancy, in her effort to be part of a solution, participated in a phase 3 clinical trial in 2018 which was one of three drugs being trialed at that time. Although her drug did not prove helpful, one of the others is the one just recently approved for use.  

Many of you have been extremely support these past 8 years in giving to the Hope4Nancy team in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  As a team, we have cumulatively raised over$172,000 thus far which is rather incredible. This goes to how much Nancy is loved and how much she has impacted lives.  This year is likely my last year participating in the Walk, and I would love us to cross the $200,000 level before we stop.  That means we need to reach the $28,000 level this year as a team. Will you help us with this goal?  We will be walking in the Tacoma Walk to End Alzheimer's which takes place on Saturday, September 23 at 10:00 am if any of you would like to join us.

On behalf of Nancy, our family which recently was blessed in February with our 6th grandchild and 2nd grandson Mason, seen in the picture as he met his grandmother for the first time in Nancy's room at The Chateau, and the many others in the USA with Alzheimer's, thank you for your support!