I have always known that I would run a marathon at some point in
my life because I love running but I never realized that I would run with such
an amazing team and for such an important cause. I am thrilled to have the
opportunity to help end Alzheimer's and to raise awareness and support for
those affected but the disease. In addition to helping all of those impacted by
Alzheimer's, my main motivation for running the NYC Marathon with Athletes to
End Alzheimer's is my grandmother, Sally. She is now 94 years old and has had
Alzheimer's for about 5 years. I would love for everyone to get to know my
grandmother and the type of person that she is by reading the letter I wrote to
her below. I know there are so many other strong and loving women and men who
have a similar story as my grandmother does so I hope that by sharing our
"Sally Story" I can relate to others and remind others that there are
many people out there who know what they are going through and who are willing
to help! I am getting more and more excited every day for the marathon and
although it may seem as if my grandmother is not aware that it is going on, I
can feel that she is excited too.
Dear Nan,
I’m writing you this letter to remind you how incredible you are
and how you have inspired me through out my life and will continue to forever.
This is Sally, one of your many Grandchildren, the one who is
lucky enough to be named after you and your daughter, Junie. When I was born, I
knew right away that I had to live up to an incredibly high standard and be
full of life, literally... I was so eager and excited to get into the world as
a Sally that it took me 15 minutes, and when I was here I think I tried to take
in so much “life” that I could barely be picked up! So I rolled around, smiled,
and clung to you and Pop Pop because no matter what anyone said, according to
you both, I was the most beautiful girl in the world.
Growing up I began to understand what it really meant to take on
your name and to be a part of the Ryan family that you and Pop Pop help build.
You taught me to always love, to always support one another, to always cherish
every moment with my loved ones, to always fight for what I believed in and to
always be faithful. You taught me to be kind, to work hard, to be selfless, and
to be respectful. Every time I was with you I watched you shine love and joy
onto everyone in your presence with heartfelt compliments and smiles and only
hoped that I could develop such a contagious gift like yours.
You are one of the smartest, strongest, most incredible women
that I will ever know. I want to thank you for building me this wonderful life
that I now lead with my unbelievably loving and inspiring parents (who are both
following in your footsteps) and my fun-filled support system, Chris, Kevin and
Megan. The large, extended family that you have helped grow, love, and learn
has turned out to be a great one, the best one. You should be so proud of the
amount of people that you have inspired and of the amount of beauty and
strength that you have been able to bring out in those around you.
In honor of your strength and spirit, I have decided to run the
New York City Marathon in your name, Sally Ann Conway Ryan. I am running for
the charity, Athletes to End Alzheimer’s in order to eliminate the disease through
the advancement of research; to provide care and support for all affected; and
to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Every family deserves to keep their charming “Nans” and “Pop
Pops” around physically and mentally as long as possible. Thankfully I can
still come see your smile and although some may think the blinds have closed
behind your beautiful blue eyes, I can only see brightness when I look into
them and always will. My goal is to raise money in order to keep the light
shining longer for all who are suffering, may suffer, or have suffered through
Alzheimer’s.
Thank you, Nan, for inspiring me to live my life with intention,
curiosity, love, and joy. I hope this letter brings you happiness and
excitement and reminds you that we are all still here, shining your light, and
working hard to overcome challenges in your honor, which is something the Ryan
family does every day.
Thank you for setting such a beautiful example always. I love
you so very much. I know you will never forget that because we can feel our
love in our hearts, there’s no need to think about it.
Love always and forever,
Sally
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