As I lace up my shoes and prepare to join the Cognitive Compassion Crew in Cleveland on October 19th for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that brought me here.
My connection to Alzheimer's disease stretches back to my childhood, etched in poignant memories of visiting my grandfather in a nursing home. One visit stands out vividly in my mind, a moment that remains imprinted in my heart. I brought along a friend, eager to share a piece of my world. Yet, as we entered the room, my grandfather’s greeting was bittersweet. He looked at my friend with a mixture of confusion and longing, calling her "Mary" and asking where she had been. My heart sank as I realized he mistook her for my deceased grandmother, his beloved wife. In that moment, the cruel reality of Alzheimer's struck me with its relentless grip, stealing cherished memories and distorting the present.
But my journey with Alzheimer's didn't end there. Over the years, I bore witness to the gradual erosion of memories and identities, as more family members succumbed to this merciless disease. My grandmother, my bonus-dad, several aunts—all swept away in the relentless tide of cognitive decline. I watched helplessly as my bonus-dad relived the horrors of his time in the Vietnam War, his mind ensnared in a labyrinth of memories and traumas. It was a stark reminder of the indiscriminate cruelty of Alzheimer's, robbing individuals not just of their memories, but of their peace and dignity.
Yet, amidst the darkness, there shines a beacon of hope. I am privileged to work for an organization dedicated to assessing patients, striving to detect cognitive decline early and empower individuals to delay the onset of Alzheimer's. It's a small but meaningful contribution to the fight against this devastating disease, a glimmer of light in the shadow of despair.
As I walk on October 19th, I carry with me the memories of those I've loved and lost to Alzheimer's. I walk for them, for the countless families navigating the labyrinth of this disease, and for a future free from its grasp. Alzheimer's may not be stopping, but neither are we. With every step, every dollar raised, we advance the fight against Alzheimer's, providing vital care, support, and accelerating crucial research.
Families facing Alzheimer's need us now more than ever, and with your support, we can be there for them. Whether through a donation or by joining as a participant, together, we can make a difference. Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease.
Thank you for standing with me in this important journey. Thank you for your support.
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