This is my 11th raising funds for the Alzheimer's Association. In this time, I've had the opportunity to hear stories about families impacted by this dreaded disease. I've seen statistics that simultaneously break my heart in their nature, and give me hope as more people dedicate time and resources to find a cure. I've learned about the efforts that family and friends put in to take care of loved ones suffering from the disease. It has been six years of constantly learning about this condition and the ways it impacts so many people.

The most precious thing that has come from six years of fundraising has been the opportunity to talk about my great grandmother, who passed away from Alzheimer's when I was younger. I always knew about the disease she had, and how it took away her ability to recognize me and the rest of my family. My family lost a beloved family member. The lady who taught my mom to make stellar banana pudding. I lost the great grandmother who tried to hard to teach me piano and sewing (neither of which I was good at), read to me, and watched out for me. This process has given me the chance to learn more about her. My hope is that in the future no other family will have to suffer like my family and so many others have. 

I'm leading the way to Alzheimer's first survivor by participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®. Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.

Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease. Please make a donation to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. 

Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer's!