Alzheimer's is an especially strange and cruel disease because it feels like an erasing of a personality, of accomplishments, of talents and quirks, of a whole life. It’s hard to know what to do with a decade-long, slow-motion loss. It’s unfair that while YiaYia only just passed, it’s been so many years since we’ve made new memories with her. I wish I remembered more, but I do know that she was smart, that she was ahead of her time in progressive thinking and independence, and that she paved the way for my mom, and her daughters, and all those around her to be the same. 

YiaYia should be remembered as the intelligent, kind, vibrant person that she was, and we’re going to celebrate her together as team Doukeni’s Angels in the Lancaster Walk to End Alzheimer’s on September 21st. We would love for you to join us if you’re local, and any donations to our team go directly to help advance critical care, support and research in this disease. 

We love you YiaYia!