I’m stepping out of my comfort zone today.  Normally I share information about fundraising events that support animals, whether it be shelters, service dogs, working dogs, or even the occasional cat cause, I’m a strong believer in lending a helping paw.  But today I’d like to ask you to consider participating in a fundraiser that directly affects my family by joining thousands of people across the country in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

September marks the anniversary of the beginning of our sad goodbye to Grandpa, Mom’s Dad.  Little did we realize when he was admitted to the hospital on Labor Day Weekend 2016, that he would never be coming home again, and that by October, his courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease would be over.  On that sad October night, Grandma lost her best friend and husband for 51 years; Mom and our Uncle lost their biggest cheerleader and confidante; and Asa and I lost the best wrestling partner a dog could ever want.

The reason why I’m telling you all this is because this September across the country there will be walks to raise funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  There is no fee to register for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, but participants are encouraged to fundraise so that through your support we can raise awareness of this disease while contributing to advances in research and care, and help other Grandpas and Grandmas.

In New England here are just a few of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s scheduled for the upcoming weeks:

September 16: York Beach, ME; Keene, NH; Plymouth, MA; Lewiston, ME

September 17: Andover, MA; Holyoke, MA; Enfield, CT

September 23: Portland, ME; Manchester, NH; Providence, RI; Bennington, VT

September 24: Portsmouth, NH; Cambridge, MA

Most walks allow well-behaved dogs to participate.  To learn more about this fundraising effort, find a walk near you, or to make a donation, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  I’d also like to take a moment here to thank the Alzheimer’s Association for helping our Grandma every step of the way in finding the resources and support our family needed to help care for Grandpa in his battle over the years.  Together, we can end Alzheimer’s Disease! Thank You!