![Grandma Tracy & Me](../images/friendraiser_uploads/16865.354986725.custom.jpg)
Hello Family & Friends,
I'm gearing up once again to help reclaim the future for millions by participating in the 2024 Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's. This will be my 15th year as a Team Captain, walking with friends and family who are all committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research, care, and support.
My grandma Tracy was a very strong, active woman. She and my grandpa worked hard on the family farm while raising a family of four. After "retiring" from farm life, they moved "to town," and she continued to drive a school bus, sing in the church choir, and organize church luncheons while many others enjoyed retirement. This horrible disease slowly took away the person I knew, and we lost her to Alzheimer's in 2009. Fast forward 10 years, and my aunt (her daughter) was diagnosed with dementia in May 2019. Since then, her condition has worsened rapidly. She no longer recognizes her own daughters or can call anyone by their names. She is no longer the aunt I used to know and no longer enjoys the things she used to love, such as cooking, gardening, crocheting, going to the casino, and spending time with family. In February 2022, she was moved to an assisted living/memory care residence to receive dedicated care around the clock. We, as a family, and especially her daughters, are going through this all over again, and it breaks our hearts.
If you have ever been close to anyone with Alzheimer's, you know how heartbreaking it can be to interact with someone who no longer recognizes you – and if they do, it may just be for a quick minute. This disease is truly devastating, and no one should have to go through it.
This horrible disease affects more than 6.5 million people in America alone – and that number is rising! Last year, both our team and I had a record year for fundraising, but we cannot stop! No amount is too small; anything you can contribute will go a long way. Please make a donation to advance the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. Together, we can end Alzheimer's! If you cannot donate, please consider joining us on the walk!
Thank you for your support! The end of Alzheimer's disease starts here.
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
951.01
I have raised
1500
My Goal
My Achievements
![Self-Donor](../2019walk/img/badges/self-donor.png)
Self-Donor
![Emailer](../2019walk/img/badges/emailer.png)
Emailer
![Fundraiser](../2019walk/img/badges/fundraiser.png)
Fundraiser
![Top Team](../2019walk/img/badges/top-team.png)
Top Team
![Top Fundraiser](../2019walk/img/badges/top-fundraiser.png)
Top Fundraiser
![Champion](../2019walk/img/badges/t-shirt.png)
T-shirt
![Champion](../2019walk/img/badges/champions-club.png)
Champion
![Storyteller](../2019walk/img/badges/storyteller.png)
Storyteller
![Facebook Fundraiser](../2019walk/img/badges/facebook-fundraiser.png)
Facebook Fundraiser
![Mobile Master](../2019walk/img/badges/mobile-master.png)
Mobile Master