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 day for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)
Growing up with my mother in another country, my siblings and I
looked to my grandmother as our mom. She took care of all four of us plus
other cousins. My grandmother, Mamá, like we called her, was a strong,
independent woman. She always woke up early for breakfast and church and was
the last one to go to sleep after the day was done. After dinner or after she
came back from church we would play games of Parchese everyday, she was a pro
and knew all the moves before I even made them. Looking back I loved every
single moment. Knowing that she had suffered from Dementia in her later years
came as a shock to me because I couldn't understand how a woman so strong and
full of life could become so dependent on others.
I attribute what I know about Alzheimer's and it's effects to my
wife because of what her family went through with her grandfather and great
grandmother. She introduced me to the Alzheimer's walk and together we have
been raising funds and awareness by participating in the team. And unknowingly
her mother and my mother both took care of patients with Alzheimer's and
related conditions in their own line of work.
Running for me has now become more than a hobby, it is my way to
stay fit, to travel the world and to share my experiences with those I love the
most. I run with a lot of humbleness and appreciation knowing that this crazy
idea of mine has become a way to express my gratitude and honor the memory of
those who have shaped us into who we are today.
I
would like to thank the association for offering all their services to those
who need it and also for allowing us to run for our families.
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