This is an anniversary year for me - it's my TENTH year supporting the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's in Portsmouth. I walk to honor my mother who died of this disease in July of 2019.

I am a passionate advocate for the Alzheimer's goal -- a world without Alzheimer's. I have been using my voice to advocate for additional funding from both the state and federal governments, and to encourage implementation of legislation that will recognize Alzheimer's as the public health crisis it is. I am also on our local chapter's Board to provide additional leadership in the fight against Alzheimer's.

My mom is my reason for walking. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2010. She died of this dreadful disease just days before her 81st birthday. My parents dreams of their "golden years" were destroyed. She spent 10 years disappearing day by day into this terrible disease for which there are no cures, no effective treatments, and no hope.

I'm walking to help reclaim the future for my son and my nieces and nephews. I am walking to raise money to find a cure, to create more effective treatments and to take away the stigma of dementia.

Currently, almost 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Every 65 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. 1 in 6 seniors dies of Alzheimer's or another dementia. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.

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.

Thank you for joining our movement! The end of Alzheimer's disease starts here.