One Step at a Time, One Dollar at a Time

Alzheimer’s is not just memory loss. Alzheimer’s kills. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

Last year I participated and volunteered for our local Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This year I have raised almost twice as much as last year. While the walk looks different due to covid-19, we will still walk.

If you are a caregiver reading this, you understand that the funds raised are crucial.

This is from the Alzheimer’s Association 2020 facts and figures report.

“Alzheimer’s takes a devastating toll on caregivers. Compared with caregivers of people without dementia, twice as many caregivers of those with dementia indicate substantial emotional, financial and physical difficulties.

Of the total lifetime cost of caring for someone with dementia, 70% is borne by families — either through out-of-pocket health and long-term care expenses or from the value of unpaid care.”

It is time to find a cure. I have said too many goodbyes in the last few years. My mother passed in 2016. My time spent volunteering in the last four years have been filled with meeting and loving some beautiful people. We laughed, cried, sang, danced and shared stories. My life has been richer from the experiences of knowing these lovely people who were struggling with memory loss. Their families have had to say goodbye just like I did. Our hearts ache because their last years were robbed of living life to the fullest extent they should have had.

Now you know why I walk. Asking for donations is something I have a hard time doing. This is a cause I believe in. Please find a walk near you or donate to someone who is walking.