As many of you know, I lost my beloved father, Peter Hirshfield, to Alzheimer's on March 15th. Caring for him throughout the journey, it was devastating to watch his decline while knowing there was nothing I could medically do to help. What was incredible to witness was his positive, hopeful attitude every step of the way. He refused to feel sorry for himself, and when he learned that I was participating in the Alzheimer's walk last year, he asked me to donate "as much money as he could possible afford" before pausing to ask if we knew anyone who had Alzheimer's. When I told him that we were walking in his honor, he cried, as if learning of his illness for the first time rather than the 50th. In honor of my father's incredible life, his passion for walking, and his enthusiasm to donating to causes he cared about, we are planning a memorial for him which will kick off at this year's Alzheimer's Walk, and be followed by a root beer float Celebration of Life party at Belden Barns.

By participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, I am raising funds and awareness to advance the fight against this disease — funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research to find a cure. Thanks to so many of your generous spirits, our team raised over $50,000 in the past few years. And this year, while I know it's a lofty goal, we are hoping to hit the $100,000 mark in honor of Papa Peter.

Please think about joining Team Papa Peter in the Walk To End Alzheimer's on Saturday, October 5th in Sonoma. We would be so honored to walk with you!  And your children! (this is a VERY family-friendly event). And if you can't walk, please consider making a donation of any size. In honor of my beloved and much-missed father, grandmother and cousin, I am determined to do as much as I can to help find a cure for the devastating disease that has likely also touched many of your lives. Together, I am hopeful that we can make a difference for the future.

With so much love and gratitude,

Lauren