On September 14th I am participating in The Walk to End Alzheimer's with the Alzheimer's Association.
My dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia in November 2019 and Alzheimer's in November 2021.
We started noticing changes in my dad the summer of 2019. He was a lifelong fisherman and was struggling to use a rod or clean a fish. He couldn't find words when he was telling jokes or stories and then get stuck, unable to finish the train of thought. He would get lost in the neighborhood when he was driving and rely on On Star to get him back.
In 2021 he lost his licence, and 2021 was also the last year he was able to travel on a vacation to Florida.
January 20th, 2022 was the first time he didn't know who I was.
In August 2023 he spent time in the hospital where he was also diagnosed with Parkinson's secondary to the Alzheimer's and lost mobility. From the hospital he was discharged to a special nursing facility due to the progression of this devastating neurological disease. He has regained some mobility but is restricted to a wheelchair.
December 2023 he became eligible for Hospice Care. He is no longer able to have a conversation, though he might answer yes/no questions.
Watching my dad (who is one of my absolute favorite people in the world) go from a capable, self-made, quick-witted, social butterfly to this current version of himself has been the most gut wrenching experience of my life.
I'm walking with the hope that with enough funding and research there will be a cure for future generations.. That this doesn't have to be a reality, that someday parents won't forget their children or people they love. Memories matter.
I am looking for sponsors to donate towards my 3 mile walk with the Alzheimer's Association. Or you can also share my donation page and that would make a huge difference.
Memories should last a lifetime.
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
201.52
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1000
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