We have formed Team Schmiege to walk in the September 21st Alzheimer’s walk in New Richmond, WI.
Why are we walking? My dad was diagnosed approximately four years ago with mild cognitive impairment. His diagnosis has recently moved on to dementia, probably Alzheimer’s and likely with a vascular component. There is no cure, and he is not a candidate for the newest drug. We are hopeful for some good years yet, but he will get worse. He has tried do everything right for his health for years but genetics are unforgiving.
My dad is my hero! He is not walking for himself but for future generations and for the 55 million people worldwide inflicted with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. His concern through all of this is for his family. He doesn’t want my sister and I to get this disease and he doesn't want to be a burden. He asked his neurologist if he would become a jerk. The neurologist chuckled, said he had never been asked that before, and couldn’t predict.
Watching a parent struggle with Alzheimer’s is not easy, but I don’t take for granted how very lucky we all are and am overwhelmingly grateful for the thousands of amazing memories I have with my Dad. As a family, we have traveled together to places around the globe. We have hiked together, biked together, kayaked together, sailed together, ridden roller coasters together and gone on a hot air balloon ride together. I have watched him play with his granddaughters and love that Harriet embraces his goofy sense of humor.
His diagnosis has not been a secret but this is the first time we have shared it so publicly. He struggles finding words and struggles with some tasks that used to be easy for him. He is still my dad at heart. He is still a sweet man with a love of music and with a great sense of humor.
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
100
I have raised
100
My Goal
My Video
My Achievements
Self-Donor
Top Team
Storyteller



