Walks with Madaline
My daughter, Madaline turned 18 a week before this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Her first Walk was literally a few days before she was born. Madaline was named after my mother who is the reason why I have been an advocate for Alzheimer’s patients and families for 30 plus years. I have attended all Jacksonville Walks since 1988 and was overwhelmed at the growth of this year’s participants.
A true compassion and empathy amongst caregivers, care providers, those with the disease and those advocating was so apparent, that I was lifted off the ground with an overwhelming sense of pride for those who participated on Walk day. After all these years, I was still filled with hope to witness the many who are new to the pledge to carry on the challenge and the veterans that are still fighting for a cure.
I must admit, I was saddened thinking that this was our last Walk to End Alzheimer’s together. Madaline is off to college soon and I don’t know what her future will bring. Although, with Walks all over the country, I am sure we will stay true to our tradition and find one to participate in together.
As a Walk committee member, I thank all of you who participated in the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. For without your dedication and determination, we would not keep moving the mission forward.
