I'm leading the way to Alzheimer's first survivor by participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's.

This is my 8th year participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer's. I walk in memory of my beautiful Mom, who lost her struggle with this horrible disease November 10, 2018; I walk for her brother, my Uncle Tom, who lost his battle with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's March 23, 2019; I walk for my Grandpa Esbeck who died from Alzheimer's in 1987. I walk for my mother in-law who is living with Alzheimer's and my father in-law, who passed away February 1, 2024 after living with vascular dementia. I walk for anyone suffering from this horrible disease.    

My journey with this terrible disease is not unlike many others who have been affected. It has been filled with heart breaking decisions and impossible situations. I watched as a marriage of 57 years fell victim to Alzheimer's. I witnessed the long good-bye, grieving a loss that still had yet to come. And when the end finally arrived, it was just as devastating.

I vividly remember the last time I saw Mom. It was the morning of October 17, 2018, I had been visiting for a few days and stopped by to see her on my way out of town. As I got ready to leave, we hugged each other with tears in our eyes and I told her I would see her soon. On November 1, 2018 my Mom was transferred via ambulance to Agrace Hospice where she spent the duration of her life. The morning of November 9 I decided to call my Mom, it was my birthday. A volunteer held the phone up to her ear so I could speak to her, she had been unconscious for the past few days. I told her I was coming to visit with the boys in a few days, but if she couldn't wait for us to get there, it was OK. I told her I loved her and would see her soon. My Mom passed away the following afternoon. This is why I walk.   

Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories are supposed to last forever. Please help me to preserve those memories, by finding a cure, so that no one else has to experience this disease. Alzheimer's should not be the price we pay for living longer lives.   

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

Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer's!