My mom, Ixia, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease 12 years ago, at the age of 68. With no family history and very creative ways of disguising the onset, we were surprised with our new reality.  Mom and dad continued with their normal routines and extensive traveling until the disease became too advanced.  Mom is now home bound and cared for by us and a pair of fantastic care takers. When people ask me how she is doing, I answer the best way that I can, she is happy and calm. While her personality may have changed and while she may not recognize us anymore, we live for the moments that there is a spark of recognition or a fiery response to a question that is classic Ixia. Mom has done so much for me and for others, how can I NOT participate in this walk for her? She would do it for me, if she could.  I hope that you can join our team, or even start one of your own, and help make a difference to not only find a cure but help finance care that makes coping with this disease a possibility.

I'm leading the way to Alzheimer's first survivor by participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®. Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.

Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease. Please make a donation to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.