It's hard to believe that in December it will have been ten years since we lost Cheryl to this horrid fatal ailment…..Alzheimer’s Disease

She was diagnosed with AD in February, 2009, when she was just 57 years old. (As I think back now she was showing signs of the disease 18 months before that.) Since she was under the age of 65, she had what is considered "Younger Onset Alzheimer's."

Our journey with the disease started when she was still somewhat independent and driving. Within 18 months she could no longer drive or travel alone. She had become quite aggressive to her primary caregiver...me. Two years after diagnosis she started to wander, which is not uncommon. At that time, it was necessary to get additional caregivers to be with Cheryl since she could not be left alone. 

Cheryl had to be moved into "memory care" in August, 2012. I mistakenly believed that she would now be safe and well-kept for a number of years. What I didn't realize was that this terrible disease continues to attack the functions of the brain. Throughout 2013 we had various episodes with TIA's (mini strokes), and UTI's (urinary tract infections). In December, 2013, she started having difficulty breathing. She spent the month in the ICU because the disease had caused her to lose the ability to swallow.

Cheryl lost her battle with Alzheimer's Disease December 20, 2013. 

This is WHY WE WALK! This is the reason we are raising money to battle AD. 

Today, there is no cure and no way of slowing the progress of the disease. Your financial help is needed to help find a cure and an end to Alzheimer's Disease. Thank you for your support.