I grew up in Washington heights the second youngest of 7
children. My sister Marie is the second oldest. We are siblings, siblings with
a generation gap, with an 18 year difference in age. We did not always agree,
and we often argued about silly things, but the love we have for each other has
always been strong. Marie loved to cook and loved caring for all of us. She
made sure when we were little that Christmas and Easter and every other holiday
were times that we would cherish for the
rest of our lives. She used her money to buy gifts baskets, toys, clothes for
the younger ones. She always looked out for us. Always tried in her way to be
the mother I lost when I was just 16 years old.
She took care of my brother Anthony (he is autistic) up until a few
years ago. I remember her singing and dancing around the house. I remember
Thanksgiving feasts that will never be duplicated. When I had my two children she did the same
for them. I always went to her house on Christmas morning and most Easter’s I
would stay at her house the night before, because she always helped me make up
the baskets for them. She loved my children
like they were her own. 
My sister Marie was the one who said “You should run in a
marathon”. I told her that was crazy and it would not ever happen. Two years
later I ran my first marathon in Philly. Marie told me that she knew I could do
it; she was bursting with pride and excitement for me. She was always happy for
whatever we did. Always proud and excited for our success! Shortly after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Now two years more and here I am training
and getting ready to run this race in honor of my sister. We noticed all the
usual signs, forgetful, losing things, confusion, she started cooking less and
less and forgetting recipes she had done for so many years, but we never even
thought of Alzheimer’s. We did not know
anyone with this disease and we had no idea what was going on. In just these
past two short years, my sister Marie had to go to live in a nursing home. She
needs 24 hour care. Marie has lost her ability to communicate. She is in a
wheel chair. This disease is awful and affects the entire family. The
Alzheimer’s Association helps so many families. Families like ours that did not
know where to turn or what to expect. I
am happy and proud to be a part of this team. I could not think of a better
cause.
People always ask if she knows who we are. Yes, she knows
us. She does not know my name or remember that I am her little sister, but when
she sees me she is happy and warm as always.
My daughter and I went to visit Marie recently and it was
one of those days when I could see in her eyes that she was more aware than
usual. We talked about the delicious food she used to cook. When I asked her
what she liked to cook, she smiled and said one word...”pasta”. I showed her a
picture of me with the team and my daughter Annie said to her. My mom is doing
the Marathon; she is doing it in your honor. Marie took the kindle, kissed the
picture and held it to her cheek. She had a tear running down her face. She
looked at me and said one word...”you”. I asked her if she was proud of me and
she shook her head yes.
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