2016 is when Alzheimer's first became a reality for our family. At first you're thankful that the MRIs, CT, spinal taps, blood work, genetic testing, and everything else under the sun is negative. You think that a diagnosis can't be that bad because nothing shows up on the tests. Wrong. Alzheimer’s doesn’t care if you’re 54 years old, like Frank was at the time of diagnosis, or if you’re 104. It doesn’t care about how selfless of a person you are, it doesn’t care about all your plans, it doesn’t care about seeing your kids graduate, walking them down the aisle, or meeting your grandkids. It has its own agenda, and it’s unpredictable. 

Frank was the most selfless father, husband, friend, son, and member of the community. Over the last 8 years our family has celebrated many exciting milestones, that Frank was not able to be part of because of the way that this disease steals your identity. 

We run so that future generations have their dads to walk them down the aisle, sons have their fathers to support them in becoming dads, son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws get to have that relationship, grandkids get to meet their grandparents and form memories that BOTH parties can cherish for years.

On February 9, 2024, Frank set sail on his new adventure in Heaven, filled with endless fishing and boating. While there is much sadness and grief during this time for those of us still here, we find hope and peace in knowing that his mind and memories are whole again, and he is watching over us all. 

The Alzheimer’s Association has been a resource for not only our family but the families of nearly 6 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. From the sense of community, to the support programs, and funding research to further the treatment, prevention and cure for this terrible disease, the Alzheimer’s Association is there for the patient. The Alzheimer’s Association also cares for the whole family to provide support and help, related to how to provide the care their loved one needs, stages of the disease, care options, safety, and planning resources. 

Please consider donating, sharing our page, sharing words of encouragement, or posting memories of Frank that we can reminisce on as we tackle 26.2 miles. We do this all with the goal to one day END ALZ.