I am walking to honor my Dad and to raise money to help prevent Alzheimer's and dementia from impacting other families. After a few years with a diagnosis of "mild cognitive impairment," my Dad's diagnosis progressed to Alzheimer's/dementia last year. As a family, we are worried about what the future will bring while also feeling indescribably grateful for the decades of happy memories we have together. But mostly, we are focusing on the present and on the many ways in which my Dad is still his same kind, loving, goofy self, even as he sometimes struggles with finding the right words and managing certain tasks.
My Dad has repeatedly expressed that his wish is to help in whatever way he can to prevent Alzheimer's from impacting others the way it is impacting us. And although he no longer remembers the experience of our walk last year or his birthday party following the walk, he enjoys hearing about that special day from us. And he remains committed to supporting other individuals suffering with Alzheimer's and their families, as well as to continuing to experience the many things he is still able to enjoy. This past year, he has been participating in an Alzheimer's choir in St Paul (the first time in his adult life that he has been in a choir) and has been working to try to establish a similar program in River Falls. Although his memory of past events is gradually diminishing and he struggles with some tasks that used to be easy for him, at his heart my Dad is still the same kind, funny man he has always been and is still able to participate in our family conversations and to stay up-to-date on politics. Above all, my Dad wants to be of service to his family and to others, and this walk is one way that he can do that.
Thank you for your support!
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
175
I have raised
1000
My Goal
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