A life-threatening disease with no cure. Every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops it and 1 in 3 seniors will die because of it. So what is this awful disease and why should people care about it? Alzheimer’s is a progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain. This could happen to you. If there is not a cure developed, by 2050, it's estimated there will be as many as 16 million Americans living with Alzheimer's. This could very easily be you or a loved one. So why is this so important to me? My grandfather, Robert Cates, passed away last year after losing the battle with Alzheimer’s. My grandmother, Shirley Cates passed away this year as a result of complications from advanced dementia. When I would go to visit them, neither of them would remember me or my mom, his daughter, or sometimes even each other. Even though at that time they were physically still with us, it was like they were already gone. Because this disease has affected my family, and as a result, my eyes have been opened to how many people it effects, I have decided to run in the Chevron Houston Half Marathon in honor of my grandparents and for the Alzheimer’s Association. My goal is to raise $1,500 and that is why I am asking you to please support this cause. Your donations can help fund projects to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. Thank you for your support! Alyssa Barrett