This year marks eight years without Tom, my husband and best friend, and 18 years since our family was changed forever. Each Fall, I am reminded that another anniversary will pass, birthdays will be celebrated, and all without Tom. Also, every Fall, we participate in the Walk to End #Alzheimer’s to honor his memory and raise funds to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association®.

As many of you know, I have dedicated my time for the last 18 years volunteering for the #alzheimersassociation. I have shared our family's story more times than I can count; I've fundraised for the annual #walk2endalz y #El día más largo campaigns, been a member of the Alzheimer's Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada Board of Directors since 2017, Chair of the Public Policy Committee and this year Co-Vice Chair. Most importantly, it is my greatest honor to advocate, alongside many others, on behalf of the more than 6 million people, with nearly 700K in #California, living with the disease and their families. I've met with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle in DC and in my District. I've asked for hundreds of millions of dollars for research and advocated for policies that support those living with the disease, their families and caregivers. The Alzheimer's Association has been instrumental in increasing research funding from nearly $411M in 2011 to $3.553B in 2022. AND, this commitment to finding a cure or disease-altering treatment has led to the approval of #Leqembi which has been shown to slow the progression of cognitive decline by 27% compared with a placebo. This gives people #moretime with their loved ones, something I would've given anything to have.

With the help of the Alzheimer’s Association, I made it through my ten-year journey as a #caregador. It is where I cried, laughed, grieved and received immeasurable support. Alzheimer’s disease is an #epidemia, and if you haven’t been touched or impacted by this disease, it is a matter of time. More concerning, if you are #Negro, you are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s. If you are #Latino/ #Hispanic, you are one and a half times more likely to develop the disease. I invite you to consider donating to my Walk to End Alzheimer’s team in honor of your loved one, my beloved Tom, or because of our continued and treasured relationship. I cannot adequately express my sincere appreciation for your consideration and your friendship. If you’d like to donate, please visit my Walk to End Alzheimer’s page: http://act.alz.org/goto/tomrobbie

As always, please reach out if you are navigating this nightmare and feel like you need additional resources - I am here to help. #EndAlz