I am proud to walk in support of the Alzheimer’s Association to honor my dad, Julius Daniel Benton, Jr. My dad lost his fight with Frontal Lobar Degeneration (FTD) in 2008. Although he didn’t have Alzheimer’s, his disease was just as devastating and the result was the same. He had no chance of survival because there is no cure. We have also lost my Aunt Jack to Parkinson’s Dementia and my Aunt Ginny to Alzheimer’s Disease. Dementia is devastating – no matter what form it takes.
Dad was the best father a girl could ever ask for. The love he had for his family was admirable as he always put us first. He loved us with all his heart and was always quick to tell us he loved us, give hugs, or hold hands. His love for music was evident his entire life as he played trumpet at school, church, and professionally. He passed on that love for music to us and I cherish that. Dementia robbed Dad of a lot of things – his ability to walk, talk, and do things that people take for granted every day. I learned so much from Dad in the time I had with him, even in the face of adversity with dementia. Dementia took him from us at the young age of 68.
I walk to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association for research to find a cure. Through your donations, we can help make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia, their families, and folks who may suffer from dementia in the years to come.
Although Dad is no longer with us, I fight to find a cure so that no one else will have to endure what Dad did. I hope there will be a cure so no one else has to lose their loved ones to this horrible disease. My husband and children never got to meet Dad but his legacy will live on through me and others who are inspired by his life and fight with dementia. We can make a difference and there will be a cure!
Julie Olson
The Benton Bunch, Team Captain
Coastal Virginia Walk
Alzheimer's Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter 