Story by Jeremy Greenberg
My Grandma is one of the smartest, strongest, and most caring people that I know. She has been battling Alzheimer’s disease for years and is now in the later stages of the disease.
Growing up, I would frequently tell her that she was a tank because I never saw anything stop her from where she was going. She has always displayed so much strength.
When I was young, my grandma showed her strength through daily exercise. She would begin at 3:30 or 4 A.M. with her strength exercises, and then go to the park near her home to power-walk. This daily exercise would take her a couple of hours. When my sisters and I stayed at her house, she would be back well before we even got out of bed.
Many years ago, her initial progression with Alzheimer’s started with her being confused about what was going on. Over time, the disease has taken more and more of her abilities. While that has gone on, her ongoing strength fighting Alzheimer’s is remarkable. However, it is still so hard for everyone who knows and loves her.
Watching my Grandma fight the disease has shown me that there are many ways to be strong, and there are many ways to be a resource to the people around you.
This year, I am running my 9th marathon to honor my Grandma’s ongoing strength. I was drawn to join the ALZ Stars Bank of America Chicago Marathon team again in 2021 because I learned from my Grandma the love of exercise and that life is better in motion.
I hope others decide to fight the disease by raising awareness and funds to advance the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association®. By contributing to fight Alzheimer’s, we are helping more than 5 million people currently going through the disease and 16 million expected by 2050, and the loved ones closest to them.
For those who have not experienced Alzheimer’s firsthand, I’d like to ask for empathy towards people you may encounter who are going through the disease. I have learned that empathy can go a long way. It is important to meet people where they are, and remove expectations.
I hope more and more people can come together to continue the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Donate to Jeremy’s ALZ Stars fundraising page HERE and help him make a difference. To learn more about ALZ Stars and join the team, click HERE.
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