Stealing Memories

I'm proud to run the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon for a charity that means so much to me: the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. I have been a speech-language pathologist for 11 years, working in nursing homes and currently as a home health therapist. The majority of my patients suffer from Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia. After working with them day after day, the patient and their family members become like family to me.

Every day, I see the negative effects dementia has on people, not just the patient but their whole family. Dementia doesn’t just steal memories, it steals lives and breaks hearts. I see my patients not recognize their family members, forget how to do simple tasks, lose their eating and swallowing abilities, and many other things we take for granted. 

I want to see a cure for this disease in my lifetime. Dementia, especially Alzheimer’s, really hits home for me because of my work and also family members that have been impacted. I am honored to have this opportunity to run the NYC Marathon on behalf of the ADDF, knowing that 100% of the money raised will be going to research to find drugs to conquer this disease. 

Every member of the ADDF’s marathon team has committed to raising a minimum amount. I, along with many others from the team, wish to raise well beyond this as I realize how important drug research is in the effort to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Every contribution brings us one step closer to finding a cure and beating this disease.

I look forward to November 5th, 2017, when I have the honor of running in the NYC marathon with my fellow ADDF team members!

Thanks to all our amazing runners for their incredible commitment to supporting the ADDF! You can still donate to Jeanette and the other members of the ADDF's 2017 TCS New York City Marathon team by visiting Crowdrise. All donations made to our team will support drug research for Alzheimer's disease.