On September 14th I am participating in The Walk to End Alzheimer's with the Alzheimer's Association.
My dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia in November 2019 and Alzheimer's in November 2021.
We started noticing changes in my dad the summer of 2019. He was a lifelong fisherman and was struggling to use a rod or clean a fish. He couldn't find words when he was telling jokes or stories and then get stuck, unable to finish the train of thought.
January 20th, 2022 was the first time he wasn't sure who I was.
In August 2023 he spent time in the hospital where he was also diagnosed with Parkinson's secondary to the Alzheimer's and lost mobility. From the hospital he was discharged to a special nursing facility due to the progression of this devastating disease.
December 2023 he became eligible for Hospice Care. On February 1st we celebrated his 80th birthday with closest friends and family. He passed away from Alzheimer's on May 10th.
Watching my dad (who is one of my absolute favorite people in the world) go through the stages of Alzheimer's has been the hardest experience of my life.
I'm walking with the hope that with enough funding and research there will be a cure for future generations.. That this doesn't have to be a reality, that someday parents won't forget their children or people they love. Memories matter.
Memories should last a lifetime.
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
1110
I have raised
1500
My Goal
My Achievements
Self-Donor
Fundraiser
T-shirt
Champion
Grand Champion
Storyteller
10 DONATIONS