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Alzheimer's Walk

by - edited

My sister Karen and I participated in our 2nd annual walk to fight Alzheimer's... We were lucky to have been spared the hurricane - but boy did it rain...

At the last minute I ran upstairs and remembered my dad's hats that my mom gave to me and Nikki...We wore his hats in the rain and walked for all of you who bravely battle a lot more than rain every day...

Here are a few moments to share...

On a rainy Sunday morning my sister Karen and I as Team James Girls participated in the Walk to Fight Alzheimer's.... nothing compared to the hardships that come along with this disease...

Despite lots of rain the walk was supported by many teams dressed in symbolic purple including the youngest participants and even some dogs...

My sisters and I walk in memory of my dad and my many family members who have died of Alzheimer's disease and those who are suffering now...

My Dad always worried he would be stricken with Alzheimer's as my grandmother struggled for many years with it and eventually died...It is an irreversible progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills... A sad and terrible progression which robs its victims of the ability to participate in life...My dad was a very strong, modest and hard working man his whole life...He fought hard against this disease that robs loved ones of their dignity...I will always focus on his strength even when he looked so lost...

One of the final memories Nikki and I have of my dad was on a visit home. We were all in the living room when Nikki decided to get up and ballet dance for my dad. He looked so happy and talked about it to my mom for months afterwards. I believe he remembered how my sisters and I danced around the house when we were kids...We all miss him so much... My mom was devoted to his care and has been very lonely without him...

I have heard from so many of you lending support for our family... Many more have shared your families's struggle with this terrible disease...I would keep walking to the end of the earth if I could only help to find a cure...my prayers include those who are suffering and those who love them...