End Alzheimer's!

Yesterday Tony, Anistynn, my dad, and I walked in The Walk To End Alzheimer's at Portland International Raceway (PIR). I signed us up a few months ago - I walked in honor of of my Granny. 

As most of you know, she passed away from Alzheimer's back in June of this year after about a 2 1/2 year battle with the horrible disease. Watching her regress like she did was incredibly hard - and it also gave me a new appreciation for all that caretakers do! Shortly after she passed away, I saw a commercial on television for the walk. I have done many walks for all different causes but never had I done one with so much personal meaning to me before. 

I set a fundraising goal of $100 and I not only reached it but surpassed it coming in at $105! (Plus an extra $6 that we gave while actually at the walk). Thanks goes to all the generous people who donated toward the cause. Because I raised at least $100, I got a t-shirt that I wore during the walk. We all dressed in purple as that is the color symbolizing the cause. We each pinned a flower to our shirts with the color purple (in honor of those that have died from Alzheimer's - they had different colors for different situations); my dad wrote "Edith Nation" on his, I wrote "Granny" on mine, and we wrote "Great Granny" on Anistynn's (who "walked" by riding in the stroller and on Tony's shoulders the whole time). We walked 2 miles. There was a fabulous turnout! Lines of people wrapped around the raceway. It was heartwarming to see. They also had a small classic car show and you could vote for your favorite by giving a dollar to the owner (all of which went toward the cause). They also had a live band playing while people ate after the walk. Good atmosphere. 

I saw everyone on the walk ranging from babies up to the elderly (some of which I am sure were diagnosed with Alzheimer's). I couldnt help but think during it that I wish my grandma had been there to walk with me! Of course, I wish she had never gotten the disease to begin with but by her having it and all of us going through it with her, I have a new found approach and comfortability when talking and interacting with people who have Alzheimer's. I understand now a lot more what is going on with them as well as what all their caretakers have to do for them. I have empathy instead of sympathy.

Alzheimer's is a cruel disease and I am all for helping to find a cure and getting one step closer to ending it. 

Here are some photos from the walk (as well as lunch afterward at Henry's Tavern in Portland):

* We dressed in purple for Alzheimer's Action Day (September 21st) which are what the first few photos are from!

 
* Here is my personal page where donations are accepted at all times: Danielle's Page. Tony had one as well: Tony's Page. And we even made one for Anistynn too: Anistynn's Page!