57 years young was the age my mom...best friend, role model, and loving mother...was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease in 2006. I was 33 years old at the time and in complete denial that Alzheimer's could strike someone so young. After understanding more about the disease, I became angry because no treatments, cures, or survivors existed. It wasn't fair to be losing my mom so young and I had yet to get married or have any children for her to adore. 

Soon I found comfort with the life-changing resource of the Alzheimer's Association. This organization provided me an outlet for my anger and turned it into motivation to make a difference for those touched by the disease. I became a Team Lead for the Walk to End Alzheimer's in 2009 and raised some awareness and money towards the cause but it wasn't enough. I wanted to make a true impact so I put 100% effort into fundraising, volunteering, advocating and educating many people on a local and national level. I just wanted to help find a cure before I completely lost my mom.