Hi, my name is Nynke Heerma. I am 13 years old and four years ago I found out that both my grandpas had Alzheimer's. Since then, me and my friend Bailee have been raising money for the Alzheimer's Association. This is a bit different than the previous years I have done this; this year I am not only caring for someone with Alzheimer's, I have also lost someone. This Christmas my Grandpa died of Alzheimer's at 83. Because I didn't know that he had Alzheimers until recently, I would become  frustrated with him very easily for repeating the same things over and over. When I finally found out that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I tried to spend as much time with him as I could. However, at that time, Covid hit and I was prevented of seeing him because he lived in the Netherlands with my Grandma. When we went again, he barely recognized me. I wish that I could have known sooner that he had Alzheimer's, maybe I would have been more patient with him, but I can't go back and change that. However, I can raise awareness and help kids understand what is happening, so they can treasure the time they have with their loved ones. I have another grandpa with Alzheimer's, and I am determined to enjoy every moment I can spend with him. Me and Bailee, fighting for her grandma, have been working together for 4 years, and would appreciate any donations to rid the world of this terrible disease. 

Thank you, Nynke Heerma