My mother lived with this disease for over 10 years. Her battle with it ended on March 23, 2013. Since then not a moment goes by, that I do not miss her. Not a moment goes by that I don't wish I could have done more. Healed her. Changed the end of this battle. But every day I have to remind myself we did the best we could.
In February 2005, my mother and father moved to Sedalia to be closer to me and my family. Mom had already been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Dad was recovering from a stroke. From then on, we saw on a daily basis what it was to live with Alzheimer's. The frustration of no longer remembering how to write a check or dial a phone or how to get to your favorite restaurant or store. The fear of being lost because you do not remember your home that is right in front of you. The heartbreak of not recognizing your family and friends. The terror of not recognizing anyone. The ache when you no longer remember the love of your life that you married over 50 years prior. The sorrow that nothing and nobody can stop this disease before it is too late for you.
My mother passed from this world to her eternal home on March 23, 2013, but I really lost the mother I knew that loved me, raised me, laughed with me during the good times, and cried with me during the bad, long before that day I held her hand and we said our final good byes. In my perfect world, no other person or family would ever have to experience the heartbreak of this disease. One person alone cannot stop this, but together we can make a difference.
I need your support to do my part! Please make a donation to help the Alzheimer's Association advance research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer's. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide.
Every year the number affected rises. Every year researchers are closer to understanding this disease. The money raised by Walk to End Alzheimer's goes directly to the research and education of this disease. Please help fight this battle and donate to my walk. Every dollar matters. Donate what your heart says. Give up a soda and donate a dollar. Give up coffee for a week and donate 5. Give up Starbucks for a week and donate 20. Every dollar is appreciated!
The Walks have flowers represent the different reasons people do the walk. I sign and "plant" a purple flower in the walk's memory garden, the purple represents someone lost to this evil disease. My dream is to someday have white flowers at the Walk to End Alzheimer's - to represent a survivor that beat Alzheimer's. Together, there is hope.
Thank you for joining our movement! The end of Alzheimer's disease starts here.
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