We are so glad we participated in the Walk To End Alzheimer’s 2023. Sadly, we lost our dad (Larry Tingen) on March 21, 2024, and although he will not be physically with us this year, he will be in our hearts. We have decided to participate in the annual “Walk To End Alzheimer’s” in memory of our dad. Dad suffered from Lewy Body Dementia and required 24/7 care the last 3 years of his life. Early in the disease process, dad was aware that his memory was failing him and asked us to help him. We felt helpless. He lost the ability to do all of the things that he loved like going fishing, playing cards, riding his tractor, gardening, working in his shop, mowing the yard, weed eating, and fixing things. As dementia took hold and became more debilitating, Kathryn, his wife, stayed by his side and took care of him around the clock. When dad started experiencing increased agitation, hallucinations, and trying to leave the house in an effort to “go home”, things became much more difficult. Around that time, God sent an Angel, Celestyne, to come alongside Kathryn to help care for dad. She loved “Mr. Larry" and Kathryn and brought her experience and a positive attitude to work everyday which kept everyone smiling, especially dad. We were blessed to the very end that dad still remembered all of us and often talked about his 4 grandchildren, Kayla, Kyle, Alice, & Peter. Dad was also blessed to have so many friends and extended family members who would often stop by to visit and check on him and Kathryn. Dad was ready when he finally got to “go home” March 21, 2024. We miss him so much, but we know he is no longer suffering from dementia. In fact, we are pretty sure he is probably flounder gigging with old friends or playing Rook with his sisters in Heaven.

Please join us for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in memory of our dad. You can also support our Team, “Larry Tingen's Family & Friends" by making a monetary donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in dad’s name or our Team name. The Alzheimer's Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, support, and research. Our goal is to pay it forward by raising awareness and support for the Alzheimer’s Association to hopefully reduce the burden for the next person and/or family member impacted by Alzheimer’s or dementia. All participants that raise a $100 donation by the deadline will receive a Purple Walk to End Alzheimer’s T-Shirt to wear on Walk Day. The Walk is on Saturday 9/28/24 at 9am at the Historic Depot located at 200 S. Main St. in downtown Burlington, NC. You can walk as far or as little as you choose. Come join us!!!