Alzheimer's and Me

This is me before the Sunburn...

Where was I yesterday? The title of today's entry may lead you to think that I forgot to write but that isn't the case. I simply didn't have the gumption yesterday thanks to a sunburn on my lower back courtesy of picking blueberries. I've never had a sunburn this bad and it kept me out of commission for everything yesterday. From now on, sunscreen goes with me everywhere and gets slathered on regardless if I think that areas like my lower back won't be exposed. Luckily sunburns heal much more quickly than ankles. Seriously weight-loss gods, these tests you keep giving me are unnecessary. Losing weight is challenge enough without them....

I was back on the horse this morning in full force despite my running pants chafing the burn. I finally pulled my undies up far enough that it stopped but the wedgie was epic... TMI I know but enjoy a good laugh out of that at my expense won't you? I did interval running and got a hell of a workout. This morning was great. Tomorrow I might even attempt kickboxing again...

Walking has played a vital role in my journey. On September 29th I am going to walk for another cause though. This will be my second annual Walk to End Alzheimer's with Nancy Luce. The walk and Team "Got Diamonds" is sponsored in part by the incredible Day's Jewelers and has motivated me to raise money beyond the Sponsorship.

This is an event that means a lot to me. Alzheimer's is a cruel disease. You go through life building memories that you look forward to reminiscing about in your golden years. Alzheimer's Disease strips those who suffer from the right to have and hold their own memories. I can't image the fear, confusion, and suffering that someone with the disease must go through. I can image what it is like to be a family member though. My great Grandmother, Velma, had the disease and sadly I don't remember much of her before the disease robbed her of her memories of our family. I was young but I will always remember the awkwardness that flooded the room when we visited because no one knew just what to say or do. Traditionally when you visit a family member you have memories to draw on and laugh about but when someone who was instrumental in making you who you are suddenly sees you as a stranger, what do you do? Now that I'm older I am doing something about this in hopes that a cure will be found and no one will ever have to experience that kind of despair again. I am Walking to End Alzheimer's.

Though we've never discussed it outright I think that my Grandmother, Maureen, worries that Alzheimer's is coming for her too. With any luck she is wrong. With any extra luck the folks at the Alzheimer's Association will a cure so that she never has to worry again. To do that though, they need money and support. That is why I am determined to raise more than we did last year on Team Got Diamonds. Nancy Luce was our MVP last year raising funds in memory of her Dad. So far this year our team has raised $50. Our goal is only $250 but I hope we blow that goal out of the water because this cause is worth so much more than that.

Even $1 helps fun a cure

Consider this your personal invitation to join Team Got Diamonds! If want to walk with us on September 21st in Augusta or at any of the other walk sites for our Team email me at kleighton@daysjewelers.com . If you can't make the walk, but want to help us reach our goals, make a donation through our secure Alzheimer's Page. 

We really do appreciate your support and even if it is just $1, that helps. No amount of support is too small. If you can't donate or walk, will you repost this on your Facebook or (God love you if you tweet) on Twitter? I hope that of all my blogs this one is the most read and shared because in 40 years if I don't remember this journey because Alzheimer's steals all of my memories, none of this will even matter.

Thank you for reading this and helping us end Alzheimer's!!

<3 Katie
Day 63
200lbs
Feeling hopeful that people will help us raise lots of $$$!!