Today my daughter accompanied me to the walk. This is the second year I've participated in this event and I hope to make it every year. Last year I raised over $1,000 and was part of the Grand Champion Club. This year I raised $350 and I'm so thankful for those who donated.
Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death and there is no survivors. It's a horrible disease that has no cure. Since my mother was diagnosed a few years ago I've done whatever I could to raise awareness, help fund research, and learn ways on how I could try to prevent the disease. I watch as my mother struggles every day, I see how hard it is on my father, and it's hurting the rest of my family. Watching the woman who brought me into the world slowly lose herself is the worst experience in the world.
My mother has trouble walking on her own, but that's how it's been since her stroke 8 years ago. It's hard to understand anything she says and she's starting to have accidents more and more. It's frustrating for her and she often cries. I can see how exhausting it is for my father but he keeps going because she's the love of his life. Many people forget how hard this is for the caregiver.
Those who were at the walk today had an experience with the disease of their own. Either they were fighting with it, or they knew a loved one fighting with it, or they knew someone who lost the battle. Some were there just to support the cause. Seeing the hundreds of people showed me that those of us experiencing this are not alone. There is so much support out there. Now, if only we can find a cure.
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