I am the 3rd child in a family of 10 kids and I grew up in Wilmington, Delaware.  Sadly, Alzheimer's Disease has left a legacy in my family story.  My parents nurtured a close relationship between our grandmothers and us as we grew up despite the distance that existed.  My maternal grandmother, Connie, lived in Holyoke, MA and lived in very good health until she was 93.  My paternal grandmother, Grammy, lived in New York.  As Grammy aged, we were not sheltered from her cognitive decline. We continued to visit, including to the point in time where she no longer recognized us, her grandchildren, or even my dad, her son.  Unfortunately, many years later my Dad also succumbed slowly to this relentless disease.  Thanks to my children doing their DNA studies, I know that I must carry the "Alzheimer's gene", APOE.  Having the gene doesn't seal your fate, of course, but my 2007 severe traumatic brain injury adds even more risk.  I already have memory lapses and cognitive issues from my TBI and whether or not I also have signs of Alzheimer's or other dementia it's hard to tease apart.  I know I can't control my path into or around Alzheimer's but I can do everything that is evidence based that I can - sleep 7-8 hours a night, eat a healthy diet avoiding processed and high sugared foods and drinks. minimize alcohol, and participate in regular heart rate raising exercise.  I worked for in the aerospace industry for 32 years, 23 for NASA.  All of my time was immersed in research.  I know how important research is and that is why this fund raising is so vital to me.  We don't know enough and we need to know more.

Alzheimer’s isn’t stopping and neither are we. 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!