Dear Family and Friends,

Many of you knew of the special relationship that I had withAddie. Her poetry, her fashion sense, her love of art and music…Addie embracedher life in San Francisco to the fullest. I was inspired by her and her husbandJoe--falling in love at 14 years old, inseparable till the very end. Joe spentcountless hours telling tales of a life lived in North Beach in the 1960’s,letting me in on the woman he once knew, his young wife. She was an entirelydifferent person than the one who sat next to me on the couch, gazing offtoward the backside of the Ghiradelli sign. By allowing me into her world ofcontradictions, Addie taught me much about unconditional love.  She also gave me a bird’s eye view of alife destroyed by Alzheimer’s disease. She was once a vibrant, adventurouswoman until Alzheimer’s disease stole her memories, her passions, and at theend, her life.

As one of her caregivers, I was lucky to have caught just aglimpse of the loving, creative woman she was. I am reminded of Addie quite often as I see those traits in my daughter,Juliette Adeline, named in her honor. The thought of my precious Jules ever having to suffer from the diseasethat took Addie is one I cannot bear, which is why I have chosen a career withthe Alzheimer’s Association.

Please consider making a donation to my team this year & help us achieve our vision of a world without Alzheimer's disease!

With appreciation,
Ondine