Walk to End Alzheimer's: Why I Walk

On September 21, I will be joining with many others for a very special and personal cause, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer's Disease has had a lasting impact on my life. My mom was diagnosed in 1997 and a year and a half later, she passed away at the age of 88. Her fight with the disease was short in comparison to that of many victims, but as with all who are touched by this devastating illness, it was heartbreaking to watch.

 My mom was a very strong and independent woman. So when she started forgetting how to write checks and other everyday tasks, my dad and I knew something was wrong. She was also one of the sweetest and kindest people you could ever meet. So when my dad called me in the middle of the night and said his wife of 50 years thought he was going to kill her, we knew something was wrong. We had her admitted to an area hospital where she started spitting at the nurses. She also was calling me names and not being very nice to my dad. I knew this wasn't my mom but was the disease making my mom do terrible things. It was still very upsetting. Thank heavens she became more like herself when they got her on the right meds.  We continued to see some glimpses of the mom I knew during the last year and a half of her life.

My involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association has provided me with the opportunity to communicate with others who share similar stories and to work toward the goal of finding a cure. Supporting the Alzheimer’s Association ensures that funding continues for valuable research and assistance for families and victims of the disease in our area.

Walk with me and hundreds who share stories like mine at the 2013 West Side Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, September 21 at All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon, Ohio (home of the Lake Erie Crushers).  Go to www.alz.org/cleveland for more information, to make a donation, or to register to  walk with us!