About nine years ago, some friends who were involved with the Alzheimer's Colorado Chapter invited me to be on their Walk Team. Little did they know I had a personal connection to this disease. Then, about four years ago, my spouse and I started our own team, "Leaps for Lee." I have been a volunteer with Alzheimer's for nine years, serving where needed; the last seven years serving on the Retention Committee.
I carry five purple flowers in honor of five people in my family who have passed. Each flower has a color, and each color has a meaning: orange to represent support for the cause; purple to symbolize a loved one lost to the disease; yellow to denote a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia; blue to indicate someone living with it.
Lee was my father, who passed away in 1998 from complications related to Alzheimer's. Back then people termed everything as "Alzheimer's." No one realized that dementia is an umbrella term and no one knew what led to Alzheimer's. Now with advanced research there is more clarity as to what causes Alzheimer's and what preventive measures can be taken to slow the progression of this disease.
My spouse's cousin had dementia and passed away eight years ago. In January 2022, my middle son's mother-in-law, Linda, passed away. She had been diagnosed three years prior with vascular dementia. The last quarter of 2022 marked the passing of another of my spouse's cousins, Loretta, who resided back east. In August 2023, I was informed that one of my cousins, Pat, passed away and more than likely was living with Alzheimer's for the last three years of her life.
This disease is non-discriminatory and can affect anyone. Alzheimer's can strike anyone. With education and endless hours of research on both local and national levels, many strides have been made toward the fight to end Alzheimer's. There are never-ending emotions and angst related to the planning, care, and help of loved ones who have Alzheimer's.
Thank you to all those who have donated. For those who are on the fence about donating, your contribution is tax-deductible. To that end, you are giving to a worthy cause.
Let's make 2025 the year to surpass our fundraising goals!
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
6765
I have raised
2500
My Goal
My Video
My Achievements
Self-Donor
Emailer
Fundraiser
Top Fundraiser
T-shirt
Champion
Grand Champion
Elite Grand Champion
Storyteller
Facebook Fundraiser
Mobile Master
10 DONATIONS
Walk Committee Member



