Memory Walk 2009

On Saturday, October 3 John and I joined my college roommate and her family to walk in support of finding a cure for Alzheimer's. We walk in memory of Joan's dad Harold Baylerian who died of Alzheimer's five years ago. Harold was a kind, caring husband, dad, and grandpa and this is the least that those who loved him can do for him. We also walked for my grandma, Leona Kohlhoff who was a feisty lady who loved to laugh and spend time with family and friends. Alzheimer's made her into someone that we did not recognize. She spent her last two years living in a locked in unit of a nursing home.
And, we walked in honor of my Aunt Pearl who is now living with Alzheimer's and slowly forgetting all the people who have been a part of her life for 90 years. To watch someone forget everything they ever knew, even the simplest tasks is reason enough to walk for this cause.
And lastly, we walk for our daughters, sons-in-law, and Tizita as well as any other future grandchildren so that they will not have to ever be stricken with this disease.This is my college roommate, Joan and her mom, Margaret. Even though the weather was dreary and there were some rain drops, Margaret at age 85 completed the walk with the rest of us. We do push her in wheelchair but just to be out there in that cool, damp weather speaks volumes for the passion of this woman to find a cure for this disease and the love she had for her husband, Harold.These are Joan's two brothers, Tommy and Jimmy. They are definitely their father's sons. Many of their mannerisms remind me of Harold. Although as I recall, Harold had a full head of hair when he passed away. Tommy is on the board of directors for the Alzheimer's walk so he plays a big part in this walk.
And here is our team, Harold's Heroes. John, Joan's niece, Megan, me, Jimmy and his son Ara, Joan, Tommy, and of course, Margaret in front. It was an honor to walk with these wonderful people and we look forward to doing it again next year. We also look equally forward to the day when there will be no need for this walk because a cure will have been found!