The One Reason I Will Be at the Kalamazoo Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Everyone has their own reasons for supporting a cause- for me, it's personal.

You know those lists with the 5 things you can do right now to achieve inner peace and 7 things you should be doing within 38 seconds of waking up? There is one big reason I will be at the Kalamazoo Walk to End Alzheimer's: Grandma Guy.

About the Event

• What: Kalamazoo Walk to End Alzheimer's
• When: Sunday, September 18- registration at Noon
• Where: Mayor's Riverfront Park, 251 Mills Street
• How Much: Set your own fundraising goal

I'd bet you or someone you know has a loved one affected by Alzheimer's Disease or dementia. For me, it's my Grandma Guy. Spending time with her has reminded me of all the great memories she has given me.

Every time I see a water skier towed behind a speedboat I am reminded of those Summers at Big Star Lake in Baldwin. Grandma drove the boat and patiently tried again and again to get me up as I leaned forward too far or let go of the rope. When I finally did it, that feeling was incredible! In the Winter, Christmas was always at grandma and grandpa's house and that big room seemed to get smaller and smaller as my cousins got married and started families of their own.

We don't do that anymore.

There are a lot of things Grandma can't do for herself anymore and, after living with my parents for a time and an aunt, she now lives in an assisted care facility. It is difficult for her to communicate much but she always knows who I am when I visit. Last time, she asked me about my sister. Alzheimer's hasn't completely robbed her of all her memories.

If you have a story like mine and would like to help the efforts to find a cure, join us for the Kalamazoo Walk to End Alzheimer's on September 18.

Bonus Video: Kristin Burt, Southwest Michigan Walk Manager- Alzheimer's Association