The Video...

Special thanks to our coach Jeff, who stayed up till 5am in the morning doing this video...

SPOTLIGHT: Cris Valerio

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Cris Valerio

A simple story, from a simple girl, about a simple day….that became not so simple…

The phone wakes me from my much-needed sleep.

I arrived in this new city exactly 39 hours ago. Since then I've been to Silicon Valley twice for interviews. I've been homeless for a night after corporate housing forgot to leave me the keys. I got seriously lost three times. I parked in the WRONG garage when I finally got into the RIGHT apartment, to then have my car towed.

All of that in 39 hours. I need my sleep!

'Cris,' says the deceivingly sweet voice. 'Do you hate me? Are you ready for our run?'
My dear, beautiful, athletic Courtney. Prompt as always for her workouts.

I look at the clock. It's 6:30AM. Did I mention this is Saturday?

We had agreed to do a bi-coastal run yesterday via email. For some reason, long runs always seem like a fabulous idea when written. But never, do they feel that way in action.

'Sure thing Court.' Click. Yeah Right.

I lay there in bed. My head starts to wander. The New York City Marathon is 3 weeks away. I know she is already in Central Park ready to run her scheduled 22 miles. Courtney NEVER misses a practice. I miss them as a rule.

We're a good workout team, at least I think so. I'm the one that convinced her it's OK to skip a run for a margarita. She's the one that convinced me that discipline is not just a church word.

I haven't trained at all for this monster of a task.
To be fair, I've been in 2 triathlons this summer. That's what I tell myself.

Damn it Court. Now I'm awake. I wander over to the closet, pull on my new sneakers, a bright pink running skirt and a trainer. I love running in skirts.

I get on mapmyrun.com -- find a 15 miler that starts about 2-3 miles from my current location in Marin County. That should be good. It ends at Pier 3 in San Francisco. I can just grab the ferry to return. (In retrospect I laugh at my own ignorance.)

As I'm writing the directions down, I stuff the typical long run necessities you would need in NYC: my debit card, my ID and my iPhone.

I'm out the door. It is COLD!!! Wow, what was I thinking wearing a running skirt?!


I'm about 4-5 miles in when the suburbs start thinning. The hills get steeper and before I know it, I'm running a full-on MOUNTAIN somewhere between Larkspur and Sausalito.

Every steep corner I turn, I face death. Literally. I know I'm prone to exaggerate, but THIS TIME is for real! I promise…

There are literally HUNDREDS of cyclists speeding down this hill. Every one of them gives me this look that implies: Are you crazy? Pink?

7 miles in, I'm starting to get worried. All I see are hills ahead. I'm huffing and puffing like I've smoked for 20 years. I look like a mix between Frankenstein's bride and Barney (my face matches my skirt at this point).

Where are the stores to buy water? That's what I do in NYC! When is this hill going to go DOWN? What if I die? Is anyone going to find me?

At least I have my license on hand so they can identify my remains….but what a TERRIBLE picture! I don't want to be remembered as a blonde. Ever the broadcast journalist, I can picture my mug shot on screen….

9 miles ….I'm finally going downhill. I'm flying. I've got Eddie Vedder singing to me about a Hard Sun -- I don't see one. The view IS stunning. For a moment I forget that I can't feel my legs.

I feel them again quickly as I trip over a rock and veer towards the cliff only to run right into a redwood branch. Up close and personal with my new hometown.

11 miles in - a blessed gas station. I waddle in, grab a bottle of water and run to pay it.
'M'am you must spend 10 dollars to use your debit card.'

'You have got to be kidding me. Fine -- charge me for whatever, just give me the water!' I somehow pant to the poor Indian man who is trying desperately to avoid my stench.

Water in hand, I run out.
13 miles in -- I'm in Sausalito. The view is amazing. I'm so excited about my new hometown.

I feel so blessed--I often feel the weight of the world when I'm trying to justify the life I've been given. When you grow up in a third world country with parents whose sole purpose is to help others, the guilt complex becomes very pronounced. Thanks mom and dad...geesh!

Suddenly, the weight I feel becomes much more tangible. I look at the hill ahead of me. I must cross it to get to the Golden Gate Bridge. The biggest hills I've ever run are Cat and Harlem Hill in Central Park. My dear triathlon buddies….you know what I'm talking about…. Compared to this, those seem like speed bumps.

There is NO way I can do this marathon! What was I thinking? Why the HELL am I running?

I started running as a tribute to my health and to raise money in memory of my grandmother.

I kept running because it reminded me I was not alone.

In the 13 cities I've lived in my life -- there have always been runners. People running after soccer balls, running after kids, running from the cops, dogs, and women. People running in the park, the desert, the sand. Running towards dreams. Cheesy, but true.

I'm running right now because I want to feel alive…. and I hate quitting.

Grandpa has never quit anything in his life. That's what THIS race is about. Terry Garland. The man who taught me to love and live life to the fullest! My grandfather may forget some things now, but he NEVER forgets what it's like to run towards dreams. 

Mile 14 - I see the Golden Gate Bridge ahead. The tourists are all trying to avoid me. I'm running like a drunken woman right now. Plus, have I mentioned I stink?

Mile 17 - Fisherman's Warf - It's Fleet Week. There is more food, more tourists, more distractions than I care to name. I can't even remember my name right now. It is beautiful though. The old man that I passed 3 miles back runs past me. I'm pathetic.

18 Miles and 3.3 hours later (hey…slow but there were MOUNTAINS!!) I'm still not sure I can finish an actual marathon. But I know that I LOVE my new hometown!

I could tell you about how once I made it to my final destination I was so delirious I spilled coffee on my lap and got second degree burns down my thighs (seriously).

I could tell you how I missed the ferry back to Larkspur, almost missed a plane to LA, and have been so sore I haven't been able to walk upright since….But that's another story.

I may have moved to San Francisco, but I left my heart in NYC. On November 1st I'll be joining more than 38,000 runners from around the world attacking life head on.

Help me do this for my Grandpa and all of those living with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Regardless, I hope this letter has given you some laughs, finds you loving and living life to its fullest.

Spotlight: Elias Cohen

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Elias Cohen

My Grandfather Morris Cohen began suffering from Alzheimer's late in my teens. He had been the patriarch of our family -- leading Passover Seder in joyous song as our family Cantor, charming all the women of Delray with his happy demeanor and just being a fun-loving guy. Seeing him lose all that and just kinda fade away was heartbreaking. I run this marathon to remember him. When I hit that wall at mile 19 (and hopefully not sooner...), the pain will be nothing compared to that which he endured.

I met my wife 6 years ago and when she moved to New York she quickly became active in New York's Alzheimer's Association Junior Committee -- chairing the annual gala and serving as Vice President. She lost both of her grandfathers to Alzheimer's -- Tony "Papou" Karas and Ralph Shepard. Together we have made Alzheimer's personal enemy number one -- fighting it through raising both money and social awareness.

This is my first marathon. Wish me luck.

Come out to my fundraising event this Friday, October 23rd from 9-11pm in my efforts to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association, for whom I'm running the NYC Marathon! It's an all you can drink Happy Hour for 2 hours, see below! Please feel free to bring friends...the more the merrier!

Hope to see ya'll there!!

Tracy Heller

SPOTLIGHT: Melissa Burnett

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Melissa Burnett

I only know my Grandma Anne by photographs of us together when I was 2 and she was around 50. Shortly after those photos, she quickly was overtaken by Alzheimer’s. She was a very extreme case where she didn’t speak, make movements, or acknowledge anyone around her. I remember being 8 years old, driving on a road trip to visit my Grandfather and we were stopping by to see my Grandmother in the Nursing Home. We arrived at the Nursing home and remember being so nervous. WE walk into my Grandmother’s room, my dad had to introduce himself to his own mother as if he had never met her before. “Mom, this is your son, How are you?” he would say. Then he would gently place his hand on each of his children’s backs and push us to her bed side. He would continue the introductions with each of his children, “Mom, this is Melissa, your granddaughter”. And my grandmother was just lying there, staring up to Heaven, not saying a word, not making a sound, not doing anything. This disease had taken over her as if she was in a shell and she just couldn’t get out. She lived like this for many years and it wasn’t until I was about 14 that the disease finally let her go. I remember that day-crying, and seeing my dad cry for the first time. I knew they were tears of sadness for losing his mother, but also joy as he knew she would finally be at peace and would be able to finally be Anne again.

I originally began volunteering for the Alzheimer’s association because I wanted to give my time to help find a cure for this disease. I now volunteer for the Team Run 2 Remember, because I find that a cause like this needs to be spread across every avenue and every platform. Running for me helps “cure” all my pain and I hope that running can do the same to this disease.

SPOTLIGHT: Jeffrey LeBlanc

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Jeffrey LeBlanc

In 2007, my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Watching her degeneration has been sad and frustrating, but she's a strong and amazing woman at the age of 94. You can see that she is suffering, but trying to fight it inside.

When I was younger, I fondly remember my grandma taking me to McDonald's for playtime and burgers. It's funny, but sometimes it's the ordinary moments in life that are most memorable. She is sweet, loving and thoughtful and always looked out for me.

Fortunately, my parents are still able to spend quality time with her in Florida. She still enjoys getting her hair and nails done and my dad's walks with her around a local lake. I only get to see her now when I visit with my parents, but it's always a joy. Her strength is an inspiration to me.

I am coaching this team and running this race in honor of my grandma and in memory of my wife's grandmother. It's time to put an end to this nasty disease once and for all. It's time to run to remember.

SPOTLIGHT: Gabriela Patel

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Gabriela Patel

My grandmother, Maria Gray, was born in 1929 in a small town called, Questocomate in Mexico.
She had eight children who called her by the nickname "Ama" which means "mother" in Spanish.

Growing up, all of us grandchildren also called her Ama, which was fitting since she cared for us like a mother but also didn't like to sound old by being called "abuelita" (grandmother)!

Ama was always cooking something delicious- Mexican rice, albondigas, rice pudding, chiles rellenos- and would always make enough for us to take home or give to the neighbor.

She loved music and when she wasn't playing Mariachi ballads, she was singing or humming her favorite tune.

In 1995, we noticed a change in Ama. She would become forgetful and at times aggressive.

I didn't think anything of it until one weekend when we were driving to Palm Springs and she began accusing us of kidnapping her.

She said we were going to drop her off in the desert because she was old and we didn't love her anymore.
I was shocked to hear Ama speak this way but knew this was the beginning of the end.

The disease quickly took over. When she was bedridden, she would often come in and out of clarity.

One day, there was a Mariachi band playing on TV and she mumbled "turn it up."

Other times, she would fight with my mother, as she changed her clothing, and then suddenly grab her hand and look into her eyes and say, "thank you for everything."

On Christmas Day, 2003, Ama passed away. I believe she is now an angel watching over us.

I have had to postpone my marathon entry until 2010 but will continue to support the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Ama and everyone else that is affected.

SPOTLIGHT: ...

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Jason Madden

I was originally inspired to run the ING NYC 2009 Marathon by my girlfriend, Tricia Amy. Her involvement with the Junior Committee and her recollection of her experience with her mother are both impressive and touching. As we began our training early in the summer, it was daily runs with Tricia that made the training fun and sustainable.

As the training process progressed, I became reacquainted with the memory of my grandmother, Regina McCormack Ormond. She had passed away while I was still very young. My memory of her was when she was in the late stages of the disease, and I never knew her without the disease. In fact, I recall very vividly on one occasion trying to get her attention, but she did not even seem to be aware that I was in her presence. I must have been about 5 years old (given the timing of her passing), and I remember asking my mother why grandma didn't want to respond to me. It was very confusing, to be honest.

So I now have two reasons to train for and complete the marathon. I know that Tricia has posted her blog, but I think it would be appropriate to provide some background information on my grandmother (care of my mother and her two sisters):

Regina McCormack was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 20, 1901. She was the only daughter to Catherine and John McCormack, a Captain in the New York City Fire Department. Her mother died when she was 14 years old and she was raised by her father. Regina went on to become a New York City school teacher.

In 1939 she married James Ormond a New York City Fireman. Together they raised six children. In 1950 Regina returned to teaching and taught at PS 222 in Brooklyn, New York until 1966. Shortly after her retirement she was diagnosed with Alzheimers. She remained at home and lived with her husband and youngest daughter until 1971. In September, 1971 she went to live at Frances Schervier Nursing Home in Riverdale, New York where she lived until she died on January 8, 1979.

Regina was a very kind and caring woman. There are many a story of the people she helped and encouraged to finish their education. She was adamant about her own children going to college and graduating and worked to make sure they all had the best education available to them at the time. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to sit and visit with her children.

SPOTLIGHT: Trisha White

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Trisha White

Uncle Mike was the clown, prankster and jokester in our family. He was a fun-loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather. Uncle Mike was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the young age of 49 and the disease quickly took his life and he passed away at the age of 54. Uncle Mike is no longer a prisoner in his own body and he is free to stretch his wings.

Today we saw an eagle, What a vision it was to see

On this day of mourning, Such a light that came from thee

Today we saw an eagle, It circled high above us all

A sign to know he's happy, His pain is gone this fall

Today we saw an eagle, His way to say good-bye

He soared up into the clouds, Up to Heaven he will fly.

-Bethany Greene, In Memory of "Uncle Mike" Labbe 1951-2005

I volunteer with the Alzheimer's association and I am assisting Team Run 2 Remember in training for the marathon. I volunteer my time to the team because time is something that Alzheimer's stole from my Uncle and the one thing that my second cousins won't have with their grandfather.

Liz's - Silent Art Online Auction

Silent art online auction

There are over 20 works of art to bid on and 100% of the proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Association (and will be added to the funds I am raising to run in the marathon).

Please visit www.artforalzheimers.com to view the work (more images will be added daily), and if you are in town on Monday October 5th please join us at Motor City Bar @ 6-9pm for the final evening of the auction and party to celebrate the generous artists who donated work.

The party will also be an opportunity to see the works in person.

There is more information is on the website, but please feel free to contact me if you have any questions and to place your bids!

Love,

Liz J

SPOTLIGHT: Jeremy Ruberg

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Jeremy Ruberg

My grandmother Ursula Brunn was a great grandmother. Starting when I was ten years old, I would travel a the the end of the summer to Buffalo NY to spend time with her and my grandfather. While my grandfather was busy at work, my grandmother and I would have lots of fun together. She would take me museums and shows. We would go good shopping and then come home and cook together. For many years, we spent countless hours of quality time together. Visiting Buffalo at the end of the summer and hanging out with Grandma, as she was affectionately known, was one of my favorite experiences of my childhood.

Sadly, over time, Grandma began to lose her energy and memory and the woman who I came to know began to slowly slip away. The loss was certainly painful for me but even more so for my grandfather, Papa. As Grandma's condition worsened, Papa's devotion to her never wavered and his love never ceased. He was her caretaker and partner till the very end. My Grandma overcame the horrors of the Holocaust, made a life here in the United States, and raised a wonderful family in partnership with my Papa that was an integral part of the Buffalo Jewish community. Sadly, Alzheimer's was one challenge they could not overcome.

Therefore, I am running for them. I am running for my Grandma who suffered from this terrible disease and in honor of my Papa who like so many loved ones who give their heart and soul in caring for those those affected by Alzheimer's. I know that the run will be challenging, but none of my training can be anywhere nearly as hard as the challenges they overcame together. They are my inspiration.

Uniforms

Racing Singlet

Training Shirt

Jacket

SPOTLIGHT: Benjamin Farley

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Benjamin Farley

I am running for the foundation as my wifes grandma had Alzheimers and my grandma suffered from dimentia. Auguste was on the junior committee for some time so the fundraising is very important to both of us to find a cure.

I have played team sports all of my life and have always admired the challenge of the marathon without ever doing it. What better challenge than taking on the NY marathon for the first time.

We just had our first child in june and I want to make sure that this disease is cured he will never have to experience directly or indirectly.

I am from Australia and have been living in NYC for 3.5 yrs now and have watched the marathon every year up in central park and every year I have always said that I would do it the following year, well I guess this is the year...I can't wait.

SPOTLIGHT: Erin Eininger

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Erin Eininger

Big Boss on the Big Job.

My Grampa was an engineer; a technical man. He could tell you all the facts you need to know on the Cleveland Indians, air purification systems, golf, maps, etc. He played rummy like a master and every morning he did the jumble and the crossword puzzle from the Cleveland Plain Dealer while whistling to 1940's tunes that I never knew. In 2001, my intelligent, funny, interesting, active Grampa was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. At that point, I don’t think that my family realized the impact that this horrific disease was going to have on each and every one of us but mostly on my Gramma. She had to learn how to pump gas and pay bills amongst many other things that my Grampa would simply take care of throughout their marriage. The feeling of helplessness at the fact that I was slowly seeing my Grampa slip-away motivated me to join the Junior Committee in 2008. I needed to feel empowered. I needed to feel like I was doing all that I can to end this thing.

While running a marathon was not on my 2009 To-Do list, when the JC found out that we (finally) got numbers, I could not say no!

I'm running the marathon for the 49 other marathoners committed in a journey to end Alzheimer's. I'm running the marathon for the Junior Committee - because the positive impact that we all have on so many lives is inspiring. I'm running the marathon for my Eema whose Dad today is nothing like the Dad she remembers as a child. But mainly I’m running for my Grampa and my Gramma who are simply incredible.

SPOTLIGHT:Peter Mazzone

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Peter Mazzone

I am connected to the Alzheimer's disease through my brother's girlfriend Meghann, who has had multiple family members suffer from the disease. Through Meghann, I have seen the great things the Alzheimer's Association has done to help cure the disease and assist families that are affected by it. This charitable organization truly fills a great need in NY, and I am very proud to be a supporter of it. And running a marathon for this cause is an added bonus. I was thinking about running the NY Marathon before hearing about this opportunity from Meghann. But after I heard that both Meghann and my brother, Charles, would also be running, I jumped at the chance to be involved. I ran a marathon 4 years ago, and I knew I had one more race in me. My goal is to finish and enjoy the experience as much as possible!

SPOTLIGHT: Tracy Heller

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Tracy Heller

I wanted to run the marathon for the Alzheimer's Association because of the risk of Alzheimer's to all my family members. My great-grandmother and both her sisters suffered from Alzheimer's. While I was not yet born when this occurred, and have been fortunate enough not to have experienced Alzheimer's first-hand, the risk to my mother and her three sisters is great, and my entire family has been involved in fundraising for Alzheimer's in the hope that a cure is close.

I decided to run the NYC Marathon because I love to run, but have never before committed to a marathon. I also LOVE the City of New York, and I thought there was no other city I would rather be the backdrop to my first marathon experience. I can't wait!

SPOTLIGHT: Rachael Bachleda

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Rachael Bachleda

My mother, Mary Lou Thompson, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years ago at the age of 61. I had seen signs for at least four years prior to her diagnosis and at first my family dismissed my concerns and told me not to worry. After awhile my mother was also noticing these alarming symptoms and she became terrified by what they might mean. You never want to think of your own parents as being scared, but she was; it was a painful to see it.

Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, I knew that ignoring the problem would not make it go away and that if there were clinical trials available, then we had to get her involved with them as soon as possible. In 2007, we all went to the Memory Disorders Clinic at Columbia University, where she was ultimately diagnosed. It was very difficult to finally face the problem but it also served as a reminder of what being a loving family is all about.

It has been most painful to watch my mom’s personality change. My mom was a voracious reader, finishing several books a week alongside her daily newspaper dose. She loved to spend time talking about current events with her many friends. Today, she has trouble reading and conversing in a group setting. She is loosing touch with her friends because she is embarrassed by the diagnosis.

In the last two years, while her condition has continued to deteriorate, our ability to deal with Alzheimer’s as a family has greatly improved. One of the reasons for this is the New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. My sister and I have attended the educational meetings and met with the social workers that specialize in helping early onset patients and their families. We learned strategies to cope with the changes while gaining a better understanding of what is physically happening to her brain. I also joined a wonderful support group for daughters of Alzheimer’s patients. It is nice to be able to meet and spend time with people who understand exactly what I am going through.

One of the many terrible things about Alzheimer’s is its impact on the caregiver. Watching my mom’s disease progress at such a young age has been hard on the entire family but seeing the impact on my dad’s life is especially challenging. My dad, a very healthy and active 62 year old, had recently retired in order for them to begin the exciting “Golden Years” that lay in front of them. Instead, he spends these times as the main caregiver, watching after various responsibilities for my mom. She needs help with many daily activities. I know that he would not have it any other way. I hope that when it comes time for me to take care of my husband in our golden years I can do as good of a job as my dad does for my mom. I am running in honor of both of them.

Running has helped me get through the last several years. I feel that the constant, rhythmic motion of my feet hitting the pavement helps to clear my mind, relieve my emotions, focus my thoughts and motivate me to continue being the most supportive and helpful daughter that I can be . I feel that caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is very similar to running a marathon in that it requires a deep level of commitment and discipline, it will be very painful at times and it is a long process that you plug away at both day in, and day out. I am honored to be running my first marathon in the city I love on behalf of my mom and dad and the millions of patients and caregivers who run their own Alzheimer’s Marathon everyday.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharon Clott

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Sharon Clott

I'm running on Team Run 2 Remember in honor of my grandmother, in memory of my great aunt, and for the millions of people affected by this disease and their caregivers. I joined the Alzheimer's Association Junior Committee in March 2008. In June 2009, I became the Community Service Chair for the committee, which means I coordinate volunteer trips to visit Alzheimer's patients in New York. I originally joined because I was looking for a support group. My Great Aunt Jen passed away from Alzheimer's Disease in January 2008, and her sister, my grandmother Bubby Rose, was beginning to show signs of memory loss, so I knew Alzheimer's was imminent.

By that summer, she didn't recognize me anymore.

My grandmother used to be a caterer for the Beth Judah congregation in Ventnor, New Jersey. She was an amazing cook, and I would look forward to her cookies and macaroni and cheese every time I saw her. She doesn't cook anymore. Now, she barely eats. I look at her and wonder if she even recognizes the aroma of matzoh ball soup—her recipe, only made by my mother. When I see her, she tells me that "you're fine" and that I look like a nice girl. She tells me that I wear too many bracelets and that my hair is messy and looks awful, but I take her (ruthless) honesty as a compliment. At least she's paying attention to me. And at least I'm a nice girl.

My grandfather is her caregiver. They're high school sweethearts, married since 1942, right before my grandfather went to fight in World War II. He takes her camping in their motor home, traveling from New Jersey to Florida—two octogenarians just trotting along, one with Alzheimer's, one being the caregiver. He doesn't go anywhere without her anymore, now that she has the disease. At 88-years-old, he's had to learn how to cook, clean, use a washing machine, and learn every basic household duty for the first time. When he called my mom to ask her how to cook an egg and heat something up in the microwave, it really hit home how much a caregiver's life is affected as much as the person diagnosed.

I think about how their situation is similar to what happened with my Aunt Jen. The first sign Aunt Jen had Alzheimer's was when she took a drive and forgot how to get home. Then she couldn't put words together and it was hard for her to express anything that she was feeling or seeing. But she was a lovely woman, even throughout the disease. I would tell her about what I was doing in New York and she would listen and smile. Even though I knew I she had lost herself, I never felt that I truly lost her.

That's why I'm running—for my Aunt Jen and my Bubby Rose. For my Poppy Hy, my grandmother's caregiver, and Aunt Naomi, who acted as my aunt's caregiver and sister. And I'm running to put an end to lost memories. Because there are just too many beautiful people in this world to forget.

SPOTLIGHT:Maura Carle

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT:Maura Carle

Running the NYC marathon has always been in the back of my mind as a goal I would one day achieve. I assumed I would do it one day, but every year seemed to not be the right year to run the 26.2 miles. I was scared that I wouldn’t be dedicated enough or have the strength to complete the runs.

This past spring I went for a jog where I live in Riverdale, NY. While running, I thought of my grandmother, Essie Devine, as I often do running because she lived in Riverdale for much of her life. My routes will often take me by my grandmother’s apartment or parks and restaurants that I visited with her as a child. I thought about how my grandmother was the sweetest and warmest person I have ever known. I thought about how when we would visit her, her face would just light up with pure joy and happiness to see you. She was such an incredibly loving person that it was impossible to be even slightly upset when around her. I decided that I would have the strength to run the marathon if I did it in her memory.

My grandmother passed away in 2004 after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for about 6 years. It was really hard for my entire family to watch her become so confused and scared. Her face would no longer light up when you visited, but rather give you a blank stare. As with any terminal illness, my family felt helpless and hopeless in watching my grandmother slowly deteriorate. I’m honored to run the marathon on team Run2Remember because they are giving families hope that Alzheimer’s disease will one day be cured.

SPOTLIGHT: Comanche Weaver

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

Eleanor Roosevelt wrote: “You must do things you think you cannot do.”

With this as my mantra, and as a member of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Team Run To Remember, I have committed to run the 2009 ING New York City Marathon on November 1^st. I am running in honor of my mom, Manche, who is battling this heart-rending disease.

For those who have not had the privilege of personally knowing my Mom over the years, I proudly share with you the fact that those, whose lives have been touched by her, consider her to be a woman of gentle spirit, with a gracious smile for everyone. Today, my father, myself, family and friends, sit helplessly by watching this ruthless thief, called the Alzheimer’s disease, slowly and mercilessly steal her away from us. For my Dad, life has become a round-the-clock vigil; an act of stoic devotion to his wife of more than 50 years, ensuring that my Mom retains a sense of dignity, happiness and peace.

Running 26.2 miles is certainly a great accomplishment, but it pales in comparison to enduring this painful journey that many have called “the long goodbye”.

I remain overwhelmed and touched by the ongoing support I’m receiving from friends and loved ones. It is amazing to me how many people in my life have also been affected by this horrific disease. I am so thrilled to be a part of New York City Run To Remember Marathon Team. I take great pride and comfort through our collaborative efforts, we will raise not only funds, but awareness to one day eradicate Alzheimer’s.

SPOTLIGHT: Lucia Domville

Each week we will be picking three (3) members to spotlight to tell their alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each day or week for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

SPOTLIGHT: Lucia Domville

I ran NYC marathon back in 2000 and found it to be one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. To be a true New Yorker, you need to be a runner and to really get to know New York and New Yorkers you need to be able to run a marathon, see the streets, the people, the fun, the care and the support. When I finished after all months of training, commitment and soared muscles, I said to myself that I would want to do another marathon some other time in my life. After a child and aging, I revisited the idea and applied for the NYC lottery twice but got rejected… In talking one day about marathon with my boss, Anne McBride, she told me story of how she and Lou Ellen had discussed getting marathon spots to run for the Alzheimer NYC Chapter Association.

Before I knew it, the Alzheimer’s Association NYC Chapter had landed 50 marathon spots and I was already involved to help the organization raise its visibility by hosting an opening bell at the NYSE. As a financial communications consultant, I had close relationships with the Exchange and was able to secure the opening bell on June 8^th. That day we hosted a nice breakfast at the Board room and met many of the board members of the Alzheimer Association; it was a very exciting day for all and a good opportunity to be seen around the world. Next step was to commit myself to running again and I applied to NYC marathon.

Every day I get up, even when I don’t feel like it, either because I’m too tire or soared or rather be having a nice breakfast with the family, I remind myself, I am running to make a difference, even if it is just a small difference. Running has always given me the possibility of thinking, or coming up with new ideas for projects or solutions to problems. In the many days I have been running to train for this marathon, I have also asked myself why am I running, not only the marathon, but my connection to the Alzheimer Association, other than Anne McBride. Only a couple of days ago I was able to come up with an answer… in my family we also carry a different source of medical hardship. When we were growing up, we had an accident and my 14-year old sister was in comma for months and hospitalized for over a year. Her recovery was very slow, she, at 15, began being a baby and had to learn everything all over again, years went by and progress slowed down; the brain damage was so severe she has never been able to see or walk, it has been only her memory and the ability of having thoughts and ideas what has kept her going and alive all these 21 years, and hopefully all the support of the family. The family, the support, the love does make a difference, we all suffer and we learn. I am also running for her memory.