Alzheimer's Walk 2012

My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's many years ago. It has been hard on our family, especially the last year as my grandmother has gotten worse.

For the past three years, my sisters and I have taken part in our local Alzheimer's Walk here in Reston. We walk with Sandra's company, forming a team. Her company is great and matches part of what we raise! This year they created a banner with names and photos of team family members affected by Alzheimer's.

My former coworker, Julia, has joined us each year. The first year, her grandfather had just past away from Alzheimer's. This year, her friend, Kelly, and Kelly's kids joined us for the first time. It was interesting to explain to young ones in a way that they could understand what Alzheimer's disease is and why we walk. What a great experience for them!

Beyond our team though, the walk has been motivating and helpful to know that we are not alone and that we are working together toward trying to find a cure for this devastating disease. I think each year in the future, my sister's and I will continue to take part in the Alzheimer's Walk. I want to think that the more people that we gather and tell about this disease and rally together to help fight it, the sooner we will find a cure. I can only hope right?

More photos from this year's walk, which took place on Sunday, Sept. 30:

This year we got flowers, the color depending on what we represented in
relation to Alzheimer's. Ours were yellow meaning we support/care
for someone who has Alzheimer's.

The banner Sandra's company made. Grandma made it right in the middle!