I Walk to End Alzheimer's for longevity and for memories.
Research has shown that the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's and dementia is aging (longevity).
I walk to help raise funds for further research. Research will help to develop new tests that will give people the chance to recognize signs and symptoms earlier and to begin treatment sooner. The sooner the symptoms are recognized and treated, the longer we can preserve quality of life and memory for those living with Alzheimer's and dementia.
The women on both sides of my family have been blessed with longevity. My grandmothers and great-grandmothers all lived into their late eighties to mid-nineties. Thankfully, research and understanding of Alzheimer's and dementia has come a long way. My aunts on my dad's side and my cousin on my mom's side (who are all nurses) were able to take very good care of my grandmothers because the signs were recognized early. This gave my grandmothers the opportunity to receive the best possible treatment available to them at the time to help prolong their memory and to try to stave off worsening symptoms.
I walk in my grandmothers' memories and with thanks for my aunts and cousin for taking care of them and for the doctors and researchers that paved the way.
I also walk to raise awareness that the fight is not over. New medications have been developed to help treat the cause of Alzheimer's and dementia, not just help with symptoms. New tests are being developed to find the signs of dementia before they present themselves as behavior changes or memory loss.
A personal story- My dad's mom (who I lived with as a child while my parents were going through a divorce) was struggling with memory problems from dementia. I am from this area, but I lived in the Midwest when she was starting to decline. I came back (with my very tall, very large, now-ex-husband) to visit her, and my dad warned me, "Grandmom has good days and bad days. She might not recognize you." I was very apprehensive. As soon as I walked into her room, she lit up and said, "Oh! Dawn!" My heart glowed. Then, she looked at the "strange" man next to me and said, "What grade are YOU in?!" Her personality shined through even though she was struggling with memory loss. It was so difficult to see her that way though. I knew that she would soon not recognize me or even her children.
Really, if we are honest, I walk for a very selfish reason. I walk because I am afraid for myself. If I am blessed with the same longevity as my grandmothers, I fear that I may succumb to the effects of dementia myself one day. I fear that I may not recognize my fiancé, my sister, my brother, the people I hold most dear. I walk because it is what I can do. Instead of feeling afraid, I walk so that I can feel empowered and hopeful.
Walking and raising awareness gives me hope that, when the day comes, I may not have to suffer from memory loss the way they did.
I walk in hope that families won't have to be afraid of not being recognized or remembered by their dearest relatives. I walk in hope that, one day, there may be a cure.
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
125
I have raised
300
My Goal
My Achievements
Self-Donor
Fundraiser
Top Team
T-shirt
Storyteller