Anyone who has a grandparent knows how special they are.

During the last 5 years, both my Nana and Grandma have passed away after struggling with neurological disorders related to Alzheimer's. Both women had incredible lives enriched by love, family and laughter. In their final years, complications related to Alzheimer's Disease started to affect the way my Nana and Grandma lived everyday.

In 2009 I moved to New York City, far away from my hometown in Ohio. The day I left, I was worried about the well-being of my Nana. Her behavior and health had changed over the last two years and I was scared to leave her. All I wanted was to have the Nana back that I remember from my childhood and to hear her laugh and see her smile again.

When my Grandma started to show similar symptoms a few years later, I thought I was prepared since I had already observed the effects of this disease. However, I learned that this disease affects everyone differently, and each relationship in your life is unique. There is no way to be prepared for this disease and the emotional challenges it brings.

It was hard to watch how the difficulties of this disease affected their well being over time. With no cure, I was frustrated that their struggles would only continue to increase.

This is why I am running 26.2 miles on November 6th - for my Nana, my Grandma, and everyone else that has suffered through this confusing and frustrating diesase. I am asking for your support in the journey to end Alzheimer's.

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Athletes to End Alzheimer's: Since its inaugural year in 2009, team Athletes to End Alzheimer’s (ATEA) has represented CaringKind*, the Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving in one of the world’s biggest and best-supported marathons, the TCS New York City Marathon. In 2015, 128 runners took to the streets in their ATEA gear, showing their support for the cause and their affected loved ones to not only New York City but an estimated 2 million spectators from all over the world.

About CaringKind: CaringKind is New York City’s leading expert on Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving. With over 30 years of experience, we work directly with our community partners to develop the information, tools and training to support individuals and families affected by dementia.

We offer a 24-hour Helpline (646) 744-2900 run by professional staff, individual and family counseling sessions with licensed social workers; a vast network of support groups; education seminars and training programs; early stage services and a wanderer’s safety program. We believe in the power of caregiving and seek a world where everyone dealing with dementia has the support they need, when they need it.

To learn more about our programs and services, please click here.