The picture you see above is of my mom, my uncle's daughter Tammy and myself. This picture was taken when Tammy's Alzheimer's was starting to progress. I found out Tammy had Alzheimer's in 2019 and she was only 55 years old. I felt helpless and wanted to contribute in some way. So I was a runner and ran marathons in the past, I always wanted to run the New York Marathon and I found out I could run it by raising money for the Alzheimer's Association. I raised money for the Alzheimer's Association and I thought of all of those struggling with Alzheimer's, specifically Tammy, while I was running and as I crossed the finish line.
How Tammy's Diagnosis Started: She was working as a dog groomer, had her own successful business and started to notice things were off. She suddenly seemed to forget how to groom a dog. She started going for tests and was soon diagnosed. Tammy then moved in with my aunt and uncle (her dad and step-mother) to have them take care of her. To put it in perspective, my uncle had just turned 78 and my aunt had just retired. They ended up selling Tammy's house to pay for expenses. Tammy's Alzheimer's really started to progress quickly and as my uncle got older, it started to really take a toll on him. My aunt and uncle were looking at assisted living centers for Tammy with no luck and they were on a waiting list. They were able to put Tammy into an assisted living center about a year and a half later and Tammy passed away January 10th of this year (2023).
Before Tamm went into a nursing home, I was at a family gathering with her and I asked her how she feels and if she knows what is happening to her. She said sometimes she gets scared and does not know what is happening to her. I then told her that my aunt, uncle, mom and I are there for her and she is not alone.
Why I'm involved with the Alzheimer's Committee and Why I Walk: 1. To try to make a difference and support those like Tammy who have Alzheimer's and their families who are caring for them. 2. This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. It has affected my family and I on a very personal level and we can emphasize with others who are dealing with a similar situation.
What is the difference you can make as an individual contributor? By contributing to the Alzheimer's Association, you can help the Alzheimer's Association provide the services and guidance to those who either have Alzheimer's or are in need of support as a loved one of theirs fights this devastating disease.
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
156
I have raised
100
My Goal
My Achievements
Self-Donor
Fundraiser
T-shirt
Storyteller