Earlier this year, my mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 52.
I don’t think I’ll ever again feel the feeling that I did when I received the news. Just a simple phone call and my body went numb. I felt like the Earth had dropped from beneath me. There was no way that it was true. Eventually, it sank in, and now I am going to do what I can to help others who have experienced the same feeling.
The doctors said that my mother developed the disease sometime in her early 40’s. She raised two children, switched careers, and excelled at everyday life while this thing was trying to hold her back. It didn’t slow her down until 10 years later. Her struggle and my family’s fight are the reasons I am doing this walk. I have experienced what this disease does to a loved one, and it takes a toll on anyone to watch. My heart goes out to anyone caring for, or with this life-stealing thing that they call Alzheimer’s. No one deserves to be taken by this disease, and I want to help ensure that. God does everything for a reason, so I am going to make the most with the hand of cards that were dealt! I was lucky enough to have some great friends that pledged to help me, and when we walk on campus in October, we are walking for all of those who can’t walk for themselves.
We are walking to end Alzheimer’s and I hope you guys join us for the cause.
Alzheimer's Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter 