2009 National Memory Walk - General Donation

My Personal Page

I'm 53 years old and I have Alzheimer's...
Think that's unfair? Join my fight!

My Team Page

	$250 Donation ($250.00 +)
	$100 Donation ($100.00 +)
	$50 Donation ($50.00 +)
	$25 Donation ($25.00 +)

Enter Donation Amount Here: *Currency shown: US Dollar $

My Fundraising Goal:
$5,000.00

Money Raised to Date:
$6,235.00

If you are unable to donate online, please print out a donation form.

Support me as I walk to end Alzheimer's!

“What did I come in here for?”
“Honey, have you seen my car keys?”
Ever ask these questions? Sometimes we call them senior moments. Sometimes we’re just too stressed and have too much on our minds to focus. Generally, they are completely normal. Unless they happen really frequently. Unless they interfere with your daily life. Unless they happen so often that there has to be something wrong.

For me, these moments of forgetfulness were getting worse and worse. My forgetfulness affected my ability to get my job done. As an award winning, high level convention manager, failure to perform my job at anything but the highest level was unacceptable to me. So I started working longer hours. I started putting post-it notes up everywhere. But I recognized that my forgetfulness was getting worse and even these tactics were not helping me to do my job effectively. Thinking it was probably a hormonal issue related to the early stages of menopause, I turned to my primary care doctor. After blood work indicated no cause for my symptoms, I was referred to a neurologist.

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, given a prescription, and sent on my way. After two months with no improvement, the neurologist recommended a neuropsychology exam, MRI, and a PET Scan.

The results led to a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 51.

In case you think you read that last sentence wrong, let me repeat: The results led to a diagnosis of early onset ALZHEIMER’S disease at the age of FIFTY-ONE!

At the end of the appointment, I had several new prescriptions, more questions than you can imagine, and the paperwork to apply for disability. My projected return to work date – NEVER.

Alzheimer’s disease was never on my radar.

It’s a disease that affects old grandmothers and grandfathers.

It does not affect men and women in the prime earning years of their life.

But it did. And it continues to do so. And that’s why you are reading my story.

At the National Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, we found a wealth of information and support. Their enthusiasm in the face of this predator is contagious, and at their invitation I became an advocate. I decided that I would not allow this diagnosis to end my productive life. It has taken my ability to earn a living, but it will not end my ability to make a difference. I have always stood up to the challenges in my life; I just have to stand taller this time.

I am sending you my plea today. I ask that you join me, and the millions of others like me to make a difference. It is vitally important that the public become aware that the number of Alzheimer victims is growing rapidly; at the rate of one every 70 seconds, and that the next face may be someone you know.

By participating in the 2009 Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®, I'm committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support. Currently more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and 78 million baby boomers are at risk – unless we find a way to change the course of the disease.

I want to do my part to fight this disease, but I need to ask for your support! Please make a donation to help the Alzheimer's Association advance research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer's. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide.

On behalf of the millions of Americans who are living with this disease, thank you for supporting my efforts. We're on the MOVE to end Alzheimer’s!