I'm participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's for my mama. She loved to dance, charmed everyone with her sweet Southern drawl, and raised 4 strong children who now call themselves "Dianne's Army." I invite you to join us.

My mother, Dianne, is 68 years old and is currently living with a terminal disease called Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Often initially diagnosed as early onset Alzheimer's, FTD is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that gradually destroys the ability to behave appropriately, empathize with others, learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities.

Things that FTD shares in common with Alzheimer's:

1) we know very little about the disease

2) we have limited/no effective treatments

3) we have no cure

I'm walking on September 21st to rewrite those facts. Together, we can end FTD, Alzheimer's, and all other dementia-inducing diseases. Please make a donation to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.

Thank you for joining Dianne's Army and for your support of my family and the Alzheimer's Association!

With gratitude, Emily