Runner Spotlight: August 2011

Monday, August 29, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: SARA KERSHBERG

Each week we will be picking 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 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

About Four years ago my Mother passed away at the age of 50 from Early Onset Alzheimer’s. Since her passing the Alzheimer’s Association Junior Committee has truly filled a void in my heart and aided my passion to raise Alzheimer’s Awareness and use my terrible experiences to help others who are going through or have been through the life shattering effects Alzheimer disease can have on an individual and their families. At the age of 38 my Mom began showing signed of Alzheimer’s, a disease that her Father and Sister had both passed away from. She never wanted to get tested for the disease because I honestly think she did not want the results to have an effect on her life choices and to get in the way of the years she had left with her three daughters. She loved to live every day to the fullest, even through her sickest times she still loved to make us laugh (an attribute I hope I took with me).

Like all caregivers and families of people with Alzheimer’s I know how devastating it is to watch a person you love diminish before your eyes, especially a person who was once your rock, a person you thought would be around for your own children to look up too. The only advice I can give anyone who is going through a similar situation it to accept the person your loved one has become. You must come to terms with the fact they are never going to be the person they were, but you must love them for who they are in the present. Two marathons later I never thought I would be writing another spotlight.

I will not be running in this year’s marathon but you can catch me at the occasional Tuesday or Thursday night run, nagging at Coach Brian for making us do a ridiculous (yet helpful) drill in a heat wave. I will be on the side lines cheering all of you on as you guys are all my heroes! Thank you for making a stand and trying to fight and raise awareness of this terrible disease!!

To read Sara's first post 2 years ago, click here (Coaches sidebar - Sara is known as the MVP of the team, she had a hip injury two years ago which we had thought had sidelined her to miss the marathon, one month later, she was back in training and accomplished a goal she never dreamed of: Completing not just one marathon, but two in a row!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Richard Waldman

Why was he forgetting things? What’s going on? He is getting older but is this just ‘old age’? The small signs were there but we couldn’t foretell what the ravages Alzheimer’s disease would do to my father about two decades ago. Every day and every week would bring new changes that only brought confusion to us before the diagnosis and the understanding of what was in store. Was it a good day or is it getting worse became the daily question.

About twenty years ago one of my father’s doctors identified his condition as Alzheimer’s disease. We now had a name to tag this to but there was still confusion and unanswered questions. Back then it seemed that the few times that the name of Alzheimer’s would come up were by rude insensitive comedians. Now one by one you would read an obituary of a well known personality and the request for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association would be listed. So now we became a member of an exclusive community, an expanding family that only when you became a member of it did you fully understand what it entailed. Some very close relatives were blind to the conditions and would not acknowledge its existence. Tears were kept in abeyance in others. You could see they wanted to help but were powerless. They knew less than we did but their concern was real and heartfelt. In this time as the disease progressed I would now see my father in a hospital bed at home, a once strong man weakened. I also saw my mother tending to his every need, even when he didn’t recognize his wife of over 40 years. Marriage vows were not just words held lightly. As a family, my mother, sister, brother-in-law, niece and I knew what a 36 hour day was first hand.

Reports in newspapers would announce new tests and drugs and trials and hopes. And in these years I have been following every news article hoping that the new drug would become the panacea. Will genetic testing be allowed and how definite is it that this disease is transmitted genetically and how much is by lifestyle and diet? I knew I needed to lose weight and start exercising again. A 30 minute walk became a run which has now evolved into a marathon. Two years ago I participated in the Baltimore Half Marathon raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Last year I became eligible to run the NYC marathon but due to various muscle injuries I needed to postpone my running. At one of the long training runs in Central Park I saw a group of runners in purple shirts, smiling, stretching and with a great amount of camaraderie. As I proceeded to the corral for the race to begin I saw the Run 2 Remember team and I knew I had to be a part of that community. It made my marathon postponement decision feel right. I now had more time to train injury free and at the same time aware friends and family that I would be running for the Alzheimer’s Association once again.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Deirdre Grant

It started in the spring of 2000, or at least that's a milestone that I can specifically recall. I was a senior in high school, and our German exchange student was a vegetarian. My father kept offering her chicken.

Several years later it was confusion over what to do when the car was overheated at an exit off of 95 north. Years earlier, he could have single-handedly rebuilt the car. Now I was reminding him that the oil dipstick had nothing to do with it. Dad, you taught me as much.

And now I run. A lot.
I run for my father and for my mother. My mother is a full-time caregiver for her husband of nearly 40 years. She is in her mid-60s, he in his early-70s. They should be enjoying the golden years of their retirement, but their lives are far from that ideal. There are still many beautiful moments, but they live a life that one doesn't generally dare to imagine.

I run for my family and all of those like mine. I run for all the inspiring caregivers out there and the people they love.

I run to feel the burn in my legs, only to push harder, as if that will show this nasty disease who is boss. It won't make it go away--or maybe it can.

I've pledged to run and raise thousands of dollars as part of a team of incredible individuals who support an organization that shares our collective vision and goal for the future—a world without Alzheimer's disease.

The money raised will fund programs to support caregivers like my mother; it will contribute to research efforts, which likely will not come in time to help my father, but may spare others the ravages of this disease.

In September, I will travel to Nova Scotia with my parents to spend a week in the small rural town where my father grew up. We will walk down the proverbial memory lane, meeting with old friends and family who will share stories, good food and laughter—and I will log my training miles past the site of my father’s old school house, the field where his grandmother's barn once stood tall and other icons of his childhood. He may not remember much, but the details from others will become part of our collective memory, so the stories will endure.

These stories and images will be part of the narrative that runs through my head during the hours it will take to pound out 26.2 miles on the streets of New York this November 6^th.

Can’t wait.

Friday, August 26, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Astrid Tuin

I’ll be running the NYC Marathon this year in

memory of my grandmother Annie who passed at the end of 2008 after suffering from Alzheimer’s for several years and to thank my grandfather Jan for taking care of her in such a loving way. My family lives in the Netherlands; I moved to the US in ’04, so I wasn’t around very much to witness the progression of this horrible disease. But the mere fact that at times she would think my grandpa (whom she was married to for over 50 years) was an “evil cousin” is just so sad and a terrifying example of what Alzheimer’s impact is on one’s brain.

In 2009, I also ran the NYC marathon for a charity, the Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF), which was a great experience: the fundraising efforts & reaching my fundraising goal, plus running the marathon itself with so much support from friends, BEF, and the cheering crowds. It didn’t matter I had missed my finish time goal by a couple of minutes. When considering running the marathon this year, I decided I wanted to run for a charity a little closer to my own heart, and I’m very excited that I was selected to be part of Team Run 2 Remember.

I find that in order to raise funds, I need to increase my knowledge of Alzheimer’s, and have started doing so. Even though it’s not uplifting to read about how quickly the disease can progress, and that there is currently no way to stop or reverse progression, it’s good to know that scientists are getting closer to identifying causes and potential cures every day. I’m grateful to have a chance to help raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research by doing something that I love, running. One way I’m trying to reach people is through my blog, on which I write about fundraising, training, racing, and Alzheimer’s: www.astridnycmarathon2011.com.

When I was younger, running was never of much interest to me, but over the past 3-4 years, I’ve gotten into it much more. Since last year, I’ve become totally hooked on triathlons, which provide just a bit more variation and speed than running by itself. I’ve done a fair amount of running and triathlon races of different distances, but the NYC marathon coming up in November of this year will be by far the most important and meaningful one yet!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Emily Cunningham

My grandfather, Grandpop (or G-pop or G as we affectionately call him) is one of the most hardworking men I know. He’s held a job since he was a kid and moved his family for his work. So when he was no longer able to work because of his memory problems, a symptom of Alzheimer’s Disease for which he was later diagnosed, I realized the severe impact this illness would have on Grandpop, my grandma and my entire family. Since then I've seen my grandfather’s short term memory deteriorate to the point where we’ll have the same conversation three times during dinner or he’ll need to be reminded multiple times to be able to hold in his memory big life events, like my new job in New York. G-pop is aware of his memory problems, causing him anxiety (checking for his wallet or car keys various times when he goes out), embarrassment (holding back from speaking at dinner with friends so as to avoid repeating himself) and moments when he feels really down. This has also been a challenge for my grandma, who is still working full time and takes care of the house. She loses patience with him if he forgets to do something or asks the same question over and over. All of these problems cause a strain in our family as a whole and it has been very painful for me to be witness to this.

Where G’s mind has held strong is in his memory of the past. When I moved to New York in 2003 to go to college, my grandma started coming up to see the opera. G would come with and we would hang out in the city together while Nan, as we call her, was at the Met. These trips were my way of getting to know New York and my grandpa better. While viewing the Statue of Liberty, he told me about our Irish ancestors; on a visit to the Intrepid museum, he told me about his days flying across the U.S. in his own plane; and walking through Times Square he told me the first time he’d come to New York to attend the 1964 World’s Fair.

That’s why I’m running the New York City Marathon: to make something positive out of a disease that is so debilitating; to reflect on the treasured moments I’ve shared with Grandpop in all five boroughs as I run 26.2 miles; to bring my family together in a positive way to rally around G; and to draw attention to the reality of Alzheimer’s and how desperately we need a cure.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Briana Fichtner

I am connected to Alzheimer's via my grandmother, Sophie Blaskewicz. She was diagnosed at age 59, a few months after I was born, and suffered for 16 years. It was a long, difficult road for my family, I think especially for my grandfather Stanley. He was her caretaker for years. I remember times when she would wander off and he'd find her down the street at the neighbors, after only he'd gone to pick up the paper or some groceries. Eventually, she reached the point of entering a home. After that, he still spent every day visiting her. This took a toll on him emotionally and financially. Alzheimer's however, really impacts the entire family- I witnessed this for the first 16 years of my life. It was difficult for my mother, my uncle, and even my cousins and I as grandchildren.

This fall, I am turning 30 years old. I've always had it in the back of my mind to run the marathon, so I figured this was the milestone year to do so. Everything was falling into place and, given an opportunity to run for such a great cause, it became the perfect storm. Now or never! For the past 7 years, since I've lived in New York, I've participated in a variety of NYRR races - including two Brooklyn Half-Marathons. However, this is my first full marathon and what better one to do than NYC!

Good luck to all my Run2Remember teammates!!

Monday, August 22, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Margaret L. Furman

My story begins in 1999, two days before my birthday, when my father underwent open heart surgery for a valve replacement. I was a third year medical student and wasn't even allowed 24 hours off. I never saw him come out of surgery and two days later I was not allowed to talk to him on my birthday. I have always been really close to my father and this was hard. After surgery, his memory began to decline slowly. Alzheimer's disease wasn't even on the radar of my siblings and I, all physicians. He wasn't forgetting the classic things we had all learn in medical school or residency training that tended to make the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. We thought he had vascular memory problems related to his bypass surgery on pump. In 2007, as his memory continued to decline we finally convinced my father to see a specialist in NYC. Then the call came from my brother. I was at a cardiology board review in Rochester, Minnesota over my birthday. We were told my father had Progressive Supranuclear Palsy dementia and had six months to live. We didn't accept this. And in 2008, my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Medications didn't help and my family and I have had to sit idly by watching him decline, helpless to do anything. We looked at drug trials and some seemed to risky and others showed no promise.

My father is a self made man who I look up to and has worked hard to provide the best for his family. He taught me I can achieve anything I set my mind to. My love of history and the New York Giants comes from his influence. I have fond memories of sitting on the couch together watching history movies, Battle of the Bulge, Iwo Jima, and more. If we weren't at the Giants game, we were together watching the game. Food was always the same: 1 pm games -- cold cuts, 4 pm games -- Chicken Nest fried chicken and Monday nights -- fried chicken. I miss those times as he is no longer able to follow movies or the football games.

He has been my biggest supporter as I worked toward my degree in cardiology. What drew me to cardiology is the ability to prevent, diagnose and treat patients; improving their longevity and quality of life Cardiology has had the resources to make an impact on people's lives. This is my wish for Alzheimer's disease and hope of what we can achieved. Our ability to prevent, diagnose early, or effectively treat people with Alzheimer's Disease is not enough nor are the resources and the laws to address the issues faced by families.

I became involved with Alzheimer's junior committee almost a year ago as a way to have an impact and be among peers who were going through similar experiences having a loved one with Alzheimer's. I became a runner two years ago after thinking I could never run more than a mile. Now, I have embarked on one of my greatest challenges and endeavors of my life, ING NYC Marathon, in honor of my father. I know I can do it with my father as my inspiration and the knowledge I am fighting Alzheimer's Disease.

I am running in honor my father, and for all those who have been robbed and will be robbed of their cherished memories and all those extraordinary people who care for them.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Angela DiGaetano

So. Here is the thing about Alzheimer's. Nobody really wants to think about mortality. Why would one want to do that? We are all going to die- that is a given. But when you KNOW. You KNOW that you might not die any time soon but your brain isn't following. That's tragic. It's like being in prison, one can only imagine, without having done a crime.

The brain, is a tricky thing- it can go and your body will still chug along. I am not running this race for anyone BUT myself. And I will be honest in that. But I run this race for the second year in a row for the Alzheimer's Association Run to Remember because I know that life and MIND is precious.

My Dad's father died way too young from this disease. And being a woman of a friend with cancer who has three kids and a mother with children in a camp whom one of the kids is very sick. I know there is a LOT to be thankful for. However, my cause. THIS cause, it is worth fighting. Because if we all are lucky enough to make it to a certain place in life, we deserve to be able to BE there, mind and body, for others.

Life is short. 100 years is NOT enough, so let's race. Let's race to erase Alzheimer's. Because 100 years is never enough.

Thanks.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Alile Eldridge

When I crossed the finish line of the NYC marathon in 2009 the first thought that entered my mind was “never again!” I was in pain, and drained from running 26.2 miles for the first time in my life. However, I awoke the next morning with the realization that running with team Run to Remember had changed my life forever.

I first learned about team R2R from a friend during a monthly support group meeting. I've attended the same support group for young adult caregivers for nearly 4 years. Prior to joining the group, I couldn't really talk openly about the impact Alzheimer’s disease was having on my family. Discussions often left me feeling frustrated, because people didn't quite understand or

relate to having a parent with a terminal illness. Participating in the group has helped me find a comfort level in talking with others about the disease.

I instantly felt at ease when I met fellow teammates for the first time. We were bonded together by a common thread. It felt incredibly comforting to know that my teammates were more than running partners -- they were people who understood the heartbreak of the disease first hand. My teammates were also people who could help me find the humor and silver lining about Alzheimer’s in ways that nobody else really could. We shared stories, and gave support to one another during our group runs. My teammates ultimately turned into friends whom I’m still connected with today.

Raising funds for the marathon allowed me to share my family’s connection with Alzheimer’s. I was humbled by the financial support of family and friends. The most touching part of the process came in the form of anecdotes I received from donors. Words of encouragement were often followed by stories of personal connections to the disease.

This is my connection to Alzheimer’s and Dementia…

This is why I run…

In 2006 my grandmother passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s at the age of 89. She suffered through the disease for over a decade. In 2010 my Aunt passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s after a long battle with the disease. My father was diagnosed with dementia nearly four years ago, but more recently diagnosed with a specific type of dementia called Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). LBD shares characteristics with both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Like Alzheimer's, it causes confusion. Like Parkinson's, it can result in rigid muscles, slowed movement, tremors and visual hallucinations.

For my father:

I left home in 2006 to make a life for myself in New York City. I called my parents often to check in, and to update them about the new adventures in my life. Dad often offered advice, and rarely ended a call without encouraging me to “work hard” and “do my best.” It’s hard to believe that just four years ago I was asking my father for advice, and today we are not able to hold a conversation (due to the progression of his dementia). In the spring of 2010 my father moved into a specialized dementia unit of a nursing home, because he requires 24-hour professional care.

For my mother:

My mother shared caregiver responsibilities for my grandmother for over a decade. My father was diagnosed with dementia only a few short months after my grandmother lost her battle with Alzheimer’s. My mother has served as the primary caregiver for my father since the day of his diagnosis. Mom is one of the strongest people I know. Her courage and strength inspire me every day.

For my Sister:

My sister is incredibly supportive, and someone I’ve always been able to talk with throughout the progression of our father’s dementia. She’s been a pillar of strength for our family, especially as dad transitioned out of living at home, and moved into the nursing home.

In memory of Grandma:

Grandma always served as a role model of strength for me as a young child. She had a zest for life, and always seemed to find joy in the simple things. Some of my favorite memories from childhood were spending time with her.

In memory of Aunt Lucille:

She was a prominent figure in my father’s life, and helped to raise him after his father passed away when he was a young child. She was a spunky pint sized woman with a big heart.

Running with team R2R is much more than completing the marathon. Running is about increasing public awareness, and compassion about a disease that impacts millions of people every year. I hope to use my voice to advocate for those who are no longer able to advocate for themselves. I am grateful to be running my 3^rd NYC marathon in honor of my father, and in memory of my grandmother and aunt.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Eric Triplett

I never fully understood the impact that Alzheimer’s disease had on my grandmother and my family while it was happening. I was away at college during the two years the disease rapidly progressed and as a result I was sheltered from the daily hardships my parents, aunts and uncles went through as caretakers. Now, ten years later, I talk with my dad more about the whole experience and really get a sense of the toll the disease took on them. The coordination of daily visits to my grandmother’s house to check on her, the gradual realization that her state was deteriorating to the point where full-time assistance would be needed, the feeling that someone you love is slowly losing their identity – all of it was physically and emotionally taxing.

As I learned more and more about what happened, it became very important for me to find a way to show my appreciation to my family for all they have done and to remember my grandmother. When I heard about Team Run2Remember, I thought it would be the perfect fit to share my message while creating awareness for others, so they too could understand the challenges and struggles brought on by the disease.

Running a marathon has always been an accomplishment I someday wished to achieve.

The physical and mental challenge both seemed too big for me to overcome, but being part of a team and knowing that so many other people are going through the same experience has been a huge confidence-booster. With Team Run2Remember I am not only able to tackle one of my life’s goals, but I also have a way to tell my family that “I know, I understand and I want others to know as well.”

Monday, August 15, 2011

NYRR Coupon

For all the Metro folks...if you are traveling in to NYRR this week and would like to get something at the NYRR store...bring a coupon!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Joy Zalkind

I was finishing college by the time my Grandmother’s Alzheimer’s became very apparent. I realize, now, that she was very good at hiding her confusion from us. My mother and I remember the first Thanksgiving that she came to the house and did not bring her apron. That is when we knew that Grandma was changing.

Watching a loved one battle Alzheimer’s is like watching a slow motion disaster happening in front you and you can’t stop it. It took me a long time to realize that even though she does not remember me, I can remember everything about her. I don’ t ask her anymore if she knows who I am, I just say, “Hi Grandma, it’s Joy.” Of all of the grandchildren (there are four), I was closest to her. I was the oldest and I was a girl. She taught me very important lessons, like how to braid hair and how to make kick ass chocolate chip cookies.

She was instrumental in helping me recognize my dream. When I was very young, I decided I wanted to be a musician, specifically an orchestral musician. Grandma was my first audience, and even though I am sure I did not sound good, she was always willing to listen. I am very grateful for her support.

Currently, she is in a nursing home that specializes in Alzheimer’s. When I visited this last summer, I brought my flute and I played for her and the other residents. It was very moving and very surprising that after a few notes of a recognizable tune, they all started singing. I have read that music has a way of helping those afflicted to remember. I was so glad that twenty years after my debut (just her at the dining room table while I cracked my way through Twinkle Twinkle), I was able to connect with her one more time.

I was not a runner until I was an adult. I hated running. I was not good at it at all. I used to walk and listen to my music and one day I decided to run to the corner. It felt great. That was 2009. I decided that if I ran to the corner, maybe I should run around the block. Running around the block led to 1 mile and then I did some halves and my first full marathon.

I do not live close to home. My family is in NJ, and I live 2000 miles away in El Paso, TX. I am running the NYC Marathon for Run to Remember, because of a Buddhist monk. One of Thich Nhat Hanh’s quotes is “Your actions are your only belongings.” I just had to act. I just have to run. It is not just for me. It is for my grandmother, my mother, my sister, my family, and for all the granddaughters that should never know that memories could vanish.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Lori Hongach

This year I am dedicating my NYC marathon race to my sister’s in-laws. Over 5 years ago Donna, my sister’s mother-in-law, developed Alzheimer’s. Sadly, her progression of the disease has been extreme. The caring, thoughtful, independently strong woman who would love to sit around and laugh has left. The disease has taken over, and Donna's personality has been hijacked. Today, the simplest of tasks is a challenge for Donna. It’s heart-breaking to see and experience. Even more so to know that she has grandchildren who will never personally know her for the incredible person she was or have fond memories to dwell on as they grow older.

As much as I run for Donna, I am also running for her husband and devoted caretaker, Pug. Pug shows what it truly means to be a life partner, as he has dedicated his every moment to taking care of Donna. Pug epitomizes the true meaning of “in sickness and in health”. Pug’s unconditional love and never-ending patience make him a hero in my eyes.

As I sit here writing this, I already know that 2 additional family members have started to show signs of Alzheimer’s. I can only hope that progress is made for Alzheimer's research so families do not need to experience the pain of losing someone to this devastating disease.

Friday, August 5, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Samuel Meldrum

I have to admit, that my family and I have been very lucky in that we haven't been adversely impacted by a major disease and most of my grandparents lived (or are living) long and fruitful lives. However, about 10 years before her death at age 88, my grandmother began to develop serious cognitive difficulties and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. For the next 10 years, she had difficulty remembering and recognizing family members and friends. It was a difficult and painful process to witness and most of the time she was just "out of it".

Unfortunately, my wife's grandmother is also suffering with the disease. In the past 3 or 4 years it has become evident in everyday events. Simple things like going out to dinner at a restaurant have become difficult. The nuances of everyday conversations are also difficult for her to grasp. Now, that Sarah & I are expecting our first child there was a realization in me that this is a serious potential health risk for our child. Research and development of a cure will take decades to develop so we need to start putting some resources together now. My hope is that our children and grandchildren will be able to live in an Alzheimer's free world.

Running has never been a natural activity for me. It wasn't something that I ever looked forward to doing. I began running before I got married in 2006. At the time it was a way to lose weight and relieve stress. After our wedding I tried to maintain the running endurance I had built. I found a 10K that is held on Thanksgiving which made me feel like I could then eat dinner guilt free. Over the past few years I have started to appreciate running and even begun to enjoy it. Running for the sake of running still won't get me out of bed in the morning, but having a goal to look forward to, a 5k, a 10k, a 15k or half marathon have been goals of mine and each time I sign up for a race I always want to work hard to do well. A full marathon seemed like the next BIG goal. For me, I think it is more of a mental accomplishment. It is obviously a very challenging physical goal too, the mental side of running 26.2 miles seems more daunting than the actual physical exertion. I now look forward to the day in and day out training; I now realize the marathon is a season, it isn't a day. It is the entire process of joining a team and running with friends and coaches. It is about pushing yourself for 4 or 5 or 6 months, not pushing yourself for 4 or 5 or 6 hours. The last 26.2 miles are really just the celebration of all the hard work.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Maxine Squires

In November of 2010, I was in a big funk in my life. I felt like nothing was going right and I was beginning to wonder if, after just over 2

years in New York City, it was time for something or somewhere new. But then I Facebook-stalked the photos of an acquaintance from college who had just run the NYC Marathon. I noticed she had run with the Alzheimer’s Association and all of a sudden I realized that’s the organization I need to get involved in in order to get out of my funk.

My family had recently put my maternal grandmother in a nursing home because her Alzheimer’s disease was getting worse and my grandfather and parents couldn’t give her the care she needs (although they still visit her everyday to feed her and spend time with her). No one in my family every really spoke about the disease itself, just how sad it is that there is really nothing anyone can do about it. (My family also never really discussed the fact that my paternal grandmother, who passed away almost 10 years ago, had dementia). But I could see the toll it was taking on my family and I knew I had to do something to help them and future generations.

I got in touch with the acquaintance and she suggested I get involved in the Junior Committee with her. Lucky for me, the next meeting was a holiday happy hour! There, I met some amazing people, both new and old to the Committee, and we joked about running the marathon. However, I went home and gave it some solid thought for a few months until the application went up. I am not an athlete in any sense of the word—I’ve basically quit every sport I’ve ever tried my entire life—but there was something about doing it for a purpose that made me want to try and actually follow through.

I’m running the NYC Marathon to prove to myself that I can do it (with the help of my awesome coaches who won’t let me quit if I wanted to!) but more importantly to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease and to raise money so that someday soon there will be a cure.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Jessica Steinberg Albin

My paternal grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in April 2001. However, my family began to notice that something was not quite right about a year earlier. My brother was graduating from college, and my grandmother accompanied my parents and me to Virginia for his graduation. She was not her usual social and jovial self. Instead, she was a bit withdrawn and became argumentative over the course of the weekend. It got to the point where she was physically unable to attend my brother’s graduation ceremony. This was the beginning of her battle with and gradual decline from Alzheimer’s.

My grandmother was a meticulous woman and concerned with her appearance. However, Alzheimer’s changed that – she slowly lost her ability to care for herself. One day when she came to my parents’ house for dinner, we noticed that her eyebrows were drawn on with red lipstick instead of eyebrow pencil. She was a thoughtful and attentive woman. But she frequently left the stove or gas range on in her apartment. She was a very social woman, constantly surrounding herself with family and friends; she was an artistic woman, constantly painting and teaching me to paint; and she was a very loving grandmother. Alzheimer’s changed everything. She stopped socializing and painting, and ultimately, she no longer recognized those she loved.

Before she passed away in July 2010, I attended the Walk to End Alzheimer’s (formerly Memory Walk) in 2008 and 2009. Each year I walked with my mother and now husband to help raise funds for the NYC Chapter. I learned about the Junior Committee (JC) at the Walks, and decided to join the JC to receive support from other young professionals affected by the disease and to help raise money and advocate for the cause. Since graduating college, I had aspirations of one day running a marathon, but I never acted on it. It was only after becoming a member of the JC that I seriously considered doing it. Although I was an athlete in high school and played club and intramural sports in college, I never considered myself a runner. The longest competitive race I ever ran was a 5K several years ago. But, after listening to past R2R runners’ experiences, and how much fun they had (even people just like me who weren’t “runners”), I decided this was my year to run.

I am running in memory of my Mom mom Bunny and for those who suffer from the disease as well as their caretakers. I hope that my accomplishment, completing my first marathon, will lead to two even greater accomplishments – increased awareness of Alzheimer’s and an end to the disease.

Monday, August 1, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Dara Weiner and Melissa Kahaly

Each week we will be picking 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 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

A pact to run to remember!!!

On January 1, 2011, a pact was made between two friends to run the NYC Marathon. We (Dara Weiner and Melissa Kahaly) decided we would embark on the (crazy) journey that is running 26.2 miles throughout the five boroughs and we would do it with the NYC Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association Team Run2Remember. How about that for a New Year’s resolution?

But seriously, it was more than a resolution - it was a commitment to take on a challenge and proactively do something for my mom who suffered from early onset Alzheimer’s. However, when we shook hands back on that fateful day, we had no idea how true the motto "run to remember" would be....we now run in memory of my mother, Agnes Kahaly, who passed away this May 2011. Together we run to celebrate my mom, and to generate awareness and raise funds to support the goal of someday finding a cure for this devastating disease.

Together we run. And when we say "together we run," we mean it. Side by side in our purple couture, we've been running on the West Side Highway, in Central Park and most recently over the Queensbourough Bridge. Trust us when we say it ain't easy, but the Beatles knew what they were talking about when they sang you can "get by with a little help from my friends" - we push each other to keep running, and motivate each other when the going gets tough.

With the support of each other (and the whole Alzheimer's team), we cannot wait to cross the finish line together after 26.2 miles!