A MESSAGE FROM Jennifer
Friends and family - as many of you know, James's mom (Marilyn) was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease a few years ago. We've learned that this disease is devastating in ways that we never expected, and still struggle to understand.
Marilyn was among the most independent, strong, busy, fastidious and decisive women I have ever known. Yet, in the last few years, she has gone from this woman who could run a complex dental office to a woman that can't decide what to eat for breakfast. From a woman that had the cleanest house ever to a woman that doesn't see the stain on her shirt (or know that she wore it the day before). From a connected, involved mother, grandmother, sister, friend to someone who doesn't know how to dial the phone, write her name or recall the last time she spoke to you. She can’t live alone, and often needs help to find her way back to her room.
I get emotional even typing this. This terrible disease has robbed her of truly seeing her grandchildren grow into young adults with ambitions and careers, and robbed all of us of the rock that has centered this family for as long as I have been blessed to be a part of it.
So, here is my ask - I'm running a half marathon on January 20, 2019 (you may recall I did the same last year with the same request for support), and I'm choosing to run for the Alzheimer's Association on SE Texas/Houston. If you can, I'd love your support.
I will be matching all donations received by January 19 - up to $2,500. So, please contribute- no amount is too small.
It is my sincere hope that in our lifetimes, the need for anyone to experience what we and she has experienced will be a distant memory.
