By Walk Day 2024, it will be 5 years since my Momma was freed from the horrific claws of Alzheimer’s. I still try to form words to describe the journey. Still working to further the mission towards increased awareness, stigma removal, prevention and a cure. Still praying that our efforts are in line with God’s Will for relief from this disease that takes over so many lives—emotionally, tangibly and financially. And to be honest…I’m still grieving. 

By Walk Day 2024, it will be our 3rd Walk without our Dad in this fight with us. My Mom was the love of his life. We lost so many parts of Daddy, at different times, as Momma's ALZ progressed. And a huge part of his heart and soul died with her. He ached for her. We all did. As her caregiver and husband, the toll of devastation this disease took on him was life-altering. That's because, Alzheimers is a family disease, as well. 

Many might know my family’s story with Alzheimer’s. As a 3rd generation Lebanese-American, each generation of my family, on both sides, has been stricken with a form of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. I have lost FOUR of the most amazing, influential women in my life to ALZ. Now in our 10th year of championing the #ENDALZ cause in our community, I want to share a different side of 'why I walk to end Alzheimer’s’.

What we know about Dementia and Alzheimer’s, and each of its forms and variations, is that every case differs. And the disease strikes YEARS BEFORE SYMPTOMS. Oftentimes, a DECADE BEFORE a first symptom. When I think back to when I recognized my Sitty’s (grandmother), and my Momma’s first ‘out of character’ symptom, they literally take my breath away. After experiencing two caregiver journeys with them intimately, the lag of time and space that occurs between the first symptom/moment and the next, are enough to talk you down from the ledge you’re on. But, it’s just the beginning of a lonely, heart-gutting journey.  

Alzheimer’s is not an old person disease:

• My Sitty was in her early 60s. 
• My Momma & Aunt were in their 50s. 
• By the time they were both 65 (just in time for Medicare), they were gone. 
• And, we just lost my Aunt Lorraine in April of this year. 

And, Me…

• I turned 49 this year. 
• I now know my genetic makeup for this disease.
• My three children are 18, 15 and 13.
• Jonathan and I pray that I see a different outcome—for our children, for him, and our little world.

Alzheimer’s hasn’t been given the attention it deserves for far too long. We’ve experienced decades and decades of inadequate AWARENESS, UNDERSTANDING and debilitating SHAME. NOW we are gaining the ATTENTION we NEED to INDUCE CHANGE and REAL SUPPORT… and God-willing, A CURE. 

I’m on a personal mission in my own brain health. In my prevention journey, I’m doing all the things we know to do at this time. And I’m not ashamed to share my story. 

I will always be an ADVOCATE for the Alzheimer’s Association and the value they deliver to this fight. Because I am in this fight myself, and so many others. As a certified health coach, I am now able to help others in their own personal health journey.  

It’s more than just personal. For my husband. For my children. For everyone that’s ever experienced the devastation of Alzheimer’s and all other dementias. For these four amazing women: 

~ Karen Domit Stephens ~ Rebecca Perry Domit ~ Janice Stephens Adams ~ Lorraine Stephens Dabney

And, for Myself. Please join this more than worthy movement! 

Make a donation—nothing is too small—to help the Alzheimer's Association advance research into methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure to #ENDALZ. For the millions of us already affected by this disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources desperately needed in our communities.

HELP US #Walk2EndAlz

Much love, health and blessings, from my family to yours. We hope to see you SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 at Sloss Furnaces.

~ Dana