I was 13 years old, Bobbi and her Mom, Freddi, were family to me. I always had a second home with Freddi. There was an always an open door, there was always an extra plate at dinner set aside for me, there was always a bed to sleep in. We had laughs until we couldn’t breath. I was considered the other child.

As we grew up, moved out and lived together, Freddi never stopped being fun; from bingo halls to casinos, to road trips, to sending funny cards, to drinking by the pool, to prank phone calls, to multiple weddings..... there is so much to remember!

We have only memories now, as we lost Freddi to ALZ. I miss her. I could not bring myself to visit her at the end. I wanted only to remember her as the fun, animated, loving person she was.  

Then I realized she wasn’t the only one who was without the memories of the life she built, before she was gone.  Hers wasn't the only family in this fight against Alzheimer’s.   As a group we can fight this disease and help find a cure. As a group we can help the families care for their loved ones. Together we need to make a difference.

I'm leading the way to Alzheimer's first survivor by participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's(R). Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.

Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease. Please make a donation to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.

Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer's!