Walk To End Alzheimer's 2018

On Saturday, October 20th I joined with many others to raise money for the fight to end Alzheimer's.  My mother was diagnosed with this horrific disease last year and ever since I've been realizing how crucial it is to find a cure.  Right now there is no cure and there are no survivors.  I saw just a glimpse of what this disease was when I spent my senior year working in a nursing home.  Now it's affecting my family.  It's personal now. 

I created a page for the walk through the Alzheimer's Association.  At first I decided to set a goal of $100, which I was going to donate myself.  I sent the information to a few people giving them the opportunity to donate if they wish.  I didn't want them to feel pressured or obligated.  My dad took off running with this.  He shared the page with family and friends and worked hard at making sure everyone could pitch in and help.  I watched as people donated left and right.  My father told me to set the goal to $1,000 and I was convinced that was unrealistic.  In the end I ended up raising a total of $1,870.  I couldn't have imagined raising THAT much.  In the individual category I am number 1.  It was pretty cool hearing my name being called at the walk.  I received a long sleeved shirt for raising $100, and for going over $1,000 I received a t-shirt, a bag, a medal and certificate.  I presented my mother with the medal as a reminder to keep on fighting. 

My son joined me at the walk.  I would have loved for my husband and daughter to have joined me but I thought my daughter had dance rehearsal that morning.  Well, the walk was done and we were home sooner than I thought.  I was home in time to take my daughter to rehearsal but when we got there I found out there was no rehearsal that day.  With so much going on and so much scheduled I failed to realize that there was no dance scheduled for that day.  Oh, how aggravated I felt at that moment because my husband and daughter COULD have joined us.  I'll make sure they attend next year.  She would have loved it.  They had games, free snacks and face painting.  We will do it again next year. 

 My goal in doing this was to raise money to find a cure and to get to that first survivor.  It may be too late for my mom but I will do whatever I can to make sure something is done before it reaches me, my kids, my siblings, my nieces or my nephews.  This disease has been horrible for my mother and also horrible for my father who has been her caregiver.  Watching and knowing how much my dad is struggling while taking care of her is hard.  It's a sacrifice. 

We were joined at the walk by one of the local news anchors and also the mayor of the city.  I'm can't say I'm a fan of him but glad to see his support. 

The following photos are credited to Frances Gibbons who organized the walk in my county:

I can't remember who this guy was but that's the back of my head!