John and I recently observed two anniversaries. One is our 25 th wedding anniversary, on July 23rd. The other anniversary is on July 22 nd, the day six years ago when John received a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's. The day he received that news has become a dividing point - a milestone - for our lives. "Let's see, was our family reunion before or after John was diagnosed?" "Were Ron and Nila here for Thanksgiving the fall after John got his diagnosis?"

The first Memory Walk we participated in was in 2002 - just a few months after John's diagnosis. He had just turned 58 and was in the middle of a teaching career. I had begun seeing signs of cognitive decline years before looking back on it. That particular year was very tough for John. His father passed away in January. He was put on a disciplinary action due the difficulty he was having with his job. His principal outlined 11 job factors he was to improve on - but of course, it wasn't his motivation that was the problem. He wasn't able to change his performance.

The first doctor we saw didn't use the "A" word - Alzheimer's. He called it "early memory loss." The neurologist we then saw wasn't into euphemisms, apparently. He had no hesitation in calling what John had by the probable accurate name for it. They did give us valuable advice. "Go get educated on this disease - go to the Alzheimer's Association."

The next day I was at the Association, getting a bit of a tour, picking up literature produced by the Association, and getting a class schedule of upcoming programs. I also picked up materials to form a Memory Walk team.

I thought it was a good idea to give this organization some support, but I had apprehension about the event itself. Would it be depressing? Would it be scary for John to see other Alzheimer's patients at later stages? My uneasiness was unfounded! It's a very uplifting event! People are having fun and enjoying themselves! Booths offer information, new ideas, and very importantly to John - cookies are available at some of them! It's a great day!

Your role moving the cause forward at Memory Walk is critical in supporting the great work of the Alzheimer's Association for families like ours who count on their help. The encouragement they provide is essential for the 65,000 families in Colorado living with Alzheimer's and for an ever increasing population of families who will be faced with this devastating diagnosis and in need of their own education and emotional support, said Deb Wells, caregiver and wife for her husband John. Please join us in this important fight to end Alzheimer's disease on Saturday, September 20 in Denver City Park.

TheAlzheimer's Association of Colorado Memory Walk 2008 presented by Life Care Centers of America will be held on Saturday, September 20 at Denver City Park from 8 - 10:30 am. Registration begins at 7 am. The Kids Fun Run will be held at 7:50 am, the Memory Run begins at 8 am, the Memory Walk at 9 am and the Diaper Dash at 10 am. The Alzheimer's Association tent offers information and signs will be available for families to use during the walk to honor or remember a loved one. Rockies Relief Pitcher Jason Grilli will provide autographs for those registered for the walk, Rapids mascot Rapid Man will make an appearance in the kids' activities area sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield along with a balloon artist, face painter and a giant blow up slide. Durango teen performance troupe Encore will entertain the crowd following the walk. The Young Professionals Alzheimer's Association of Colorado will have purple pancakes available for a small donation, Boston Market will serve samples and Ruby's Diner will provide ice cream for participants. The Evercare Family Tent offers a quieter environment for families escorting a loved one with dementia. The Multicultural Tent will offer blood pressure screenings along with information in both Spanish and English.

The event raises public awareness and funds for the fight against Alzheimer's. In 2007 Memory Walk raised more than $1 million in Colorado, $40 million nationwide. Proceeds from Memory Walk go to help the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado provide families with education, counseling, support groups and the 24-hour Helpline at no cost, and fund research to find better treatments and eventually a cure. Register online at www.alz.org/co or call 303-813-1669 and become a champion today!

About the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter

The Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter is the premier source of information and support for the more than 65,000 Coloradoans with Alzheimer's disease, their families and caregivers. Through its statewide network of offices, the Alzheimer's Association offers education, counseling, support groups as well as a 24-hour Helpline at no cost to families. Proceeds from Memory Walks fund these programs as well as advancements in research to find better treatments and eventually conquer this disease. The Alzheimer's Association advocates for those living with Alzheimer's and their families on related legislative issues, and with health and long-term care providers. For more information call 303-813-1669 or visit www.alz.org/co. For assistance on issues related to caring for someone with Alzheimer's contact our 24-hour Helpline at 800-272-3900.