I am participating for the 3rd year as team captain for our team, Zim & Lewi's Warriors in the Walk to End Alzheimer's event. This fundraising event is a great tribute to the legacy of my loved ones who I have lost to Alzheimer's. Charles Zimmermann (Father, Papa, & Great-Grandfather), who I lost in December 2009, Mary Lewinski (Mother-in-law, Grandmother & Great-Grandmother) who I lost in June 2021, and Maranda Wehde (Grammy, Great-Grammy & Great-Great-Grammy), who I lost in November 2001.

I miss each of them every day, but they left behind a legacy and gave me a heart full of memories that will never be forgotten. Alzheimer's is what one would call a slow, painful goodbye. Over the years, the disease slowly steals away everything the individual has ever known. Alzheimer's is overpowering, overbearing and overwhelming for even the strongest individual.. The Alzheimer's walk gives families and individuals facing the disease hope in finding a cure. Currently there is NO cure, as difficult as this is, there is hope with new treatments being approved by the FDA. Your donations will help in the continued research and development to find a cure for this unforgiving and relentless disease.  

The walk will take place on Saturday, October 19th in Richland, Washington. Participants will be seen carrying forget-me-not flowers in assorted colors of either purple, blue, orange or yellow to represent how their lives are touched by the devastation of this disease. I will be carrying a purple flower representing losing loved ones to Alzheimer's/dementia. A new color was added recently, white, representing hope for a cure, hope to soon see the first survivor of Alzheimer's.

The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the premier event for the Alzheimer's Association.  You can help by supporting this cause in making a monetary donation to advance the care, support and research efforts for Alzheimer's. By making a donation you will be part of our team on the day of our walk, October 19, 2024. I hope you can join in our efforts to help end this disease that impacts so many people. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Gratefully,

Diane