On October 9, 2022, I will be running my 9th Chicago Marathon and will be running for the Alzheimer’s Association ALZ Stars®, a program to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. I am so proud to be running for a cause that is so meaningful to my family and I. 

Alzheimer's is a disease that has impacted my family and loved ones for many years, both in the past and in the present. After an 8 year battle with Alzheimer's, I lost my mom unexpectedly on December 24, 2017 at the age of 68. She was my world and my best friend, and we will miss her forever. My mom lost her mother, uncle, and cousins to Alzheimer’s too. On February 11, 2019, I lost my Uncle Marc to Alzheimer’s at the age of 75. For years, Alzheimer's has continued to take away those I love so dearly. 

I will be running in October to raise money in hopes that one day, nobody will have to suffer with this disease or have to watch someone battle everyday. Alzheimer's disease will always be something very close to my heart and I am looking forward to making an impact and gaining control of a difficult situation in any way that I can.

My mom has been my best friend since I was born. At the age of 60, my intelligent, talented, caring, and loving mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. 1 year after my mom’s diagnosis, her big brother (my Uncle Marc) was diagnosed. They were terrified of what was to come, as they both watched other family members, including their mother, lose their battles. Since then, I watched the disease destroy them and rob them of the life they deserved to have, and ultimately, it took them both for good in the end. To those who knew my mom or uncle, they were the kindest, selfless, loyal, and compassionate people I've known. They were those once in a lifetime kind of people that we all wish there were more of in this world. 

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the love, support, and strength you give my family and I each and everyday to keep fighting and stay strong. I am so thankful to have the most caring and loving support network of family and friends who have stuck with us during the good and bad days. My mom and uncle were the strongest, bravest people I know and I will continue to fight in their memory. I am thankful everyday that my mom and uncle were able to spend my mom’s last week  of life living in their memory care facility together. It only goes to show the bond they shared that when my mom passed, my uncle moved into her apartment. It gives me peace to know that my mom and uncle passed away in the exact same apartment in the exact same spot. I know they are reunited again and loving one another so deeply like they always have while being one another’s biggest supporters and the best of friends.

I will be running in October with so many special people on my mind and in my heart who will keep me running strong and give me hope that there will one day be a cure for this terrible disease. Here's to my hope of there being a cure one day, days full of health and happiness, and more time on earth to love one another.

It's all for you Mom, Uncle Marc, and Grandma! I love you and miss you forever  

With love and appreciation,

Jodi