I am walking this year to honor my late Grandmother who lost her battle with Alzheimer's in 2008. When my grammie was diagnosed with this, She asked to not be placed in a home. So even though I had to children at home, I decided I would take care of her just the way she took care of me my entire life. Living with someone who has Alzheimer's is not an easy task at all. Especially as the disease progresses. We had days we talked for hours, she told me her family stories, we sang, watched her soap operas. Then we had our days where she was mean, yelled at me, hit me, tried to escape from bed. But I pushed through it. The visiting Hospice nurses were truly amazing! But the best time I will never forget was when she was getting close to passing. To watch her "greet family members that have passed" was truly something I've never experienced. It was so peaceful yet scary. As the one night my dad came to her and she told me he was standing right next to me. I lost it. I watched my strong grammie turn into a little old frail women who was almost childlike. I was blessed to be with her when she took her last breathe.

By participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's, I'm raising awareness and funds to advance the fight against this disease - funds that allow the Alzheimer's Association to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research.

Families facing Alzheimer's and all other dementia need us - and with your help, we can be there for them. Please make a donation or register as a participant and start your own fundraising efforts. Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease.

Thank you for your support!