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My story begins in 1991 with my Grandmother Mary Ann. Growing up on a farm north of Dyersville, my two sisters and I spent many nights at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. One of my favorite memories is the long nights of playing UNO. As time went on, though, we noticed Grandma’s card playing wasn’t as sharp as it once was. She began misplacing items and calling people by the wrong names too. At first, we brushed it off as just old age setting in.

Then in 1998, Grandma was doing some baking and forgot she had some food on the stove. Luckily, Grandpa had come home from the field to grab some lunch and found the house full of smoke. It was a short time later that she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The doctors told my Grandpa it would be much better if they would move into town.

So, in 2000, they sold the family farm and moved to Dyersville in order to be closer to family to help take care of Grandma. Two short years later she would be too much for my Grandpa to take care of on his own. Sadly, we had to make the decision to move her into the Cascade nursing home in 2002.

My sisters and I, along with our dad, would go down to visit Grandma as much as possible. Some days were good and she still recognized who we were, other days she had no clue and we were as good as strangers just stopping by to visit.

In June 2006, my Grandmother lost her battle to Alzheimer’s at the age of 74. Even though it has been just over 12 years since my grandma has passed away, I remember the good old days as if they were yesterday. Sitting around their dining room table, playing cards, and enjoying her wonderful baked goods.

Having lots of experience running 5k’s and 10k’s, in 2012, I wanted to take my love for running and start a 5k to raise money. But where would the money go? I didn’t have to think twice about what decision I had to make. I knew that all my hard work and time spent on the race was going to go to a great cause, the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of my Grandmother. In 2013, I started planning for the First Annual Alzheimer’s 5K. With the help of my family and friends, we were able to raise $2400. Two years ago we added a 10K portion to the event and raised $7500. This year was our 6th year for the race and we were able to add a kids fun run and many new sponsors got involved. 2018 was our greatest success yet with over 300 participants and raising over $9,000.

Putting on this event started as just a small idea I had of using my love of running in order to better our community. I cannot be happier with how the event has grown over the years. In just six short years, we have raised over $30,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association. Now, continuing this event and raising more money will be my goal until a cure is found.