When my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in January 2024, I felt like the ground had shifted beneath me. Though my husband and I suspected something was wrong as far back as 2018, the official diagnosis brought a wave of emotions—grief, confusion, and a profound sense of loneliness. But it didn’t take long to realize: I wasn’t alone.

Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect individuals—it affects entire families. And as I began to share my story, I discovered a community of people walking similar paths. That realization sparked something in me. I turned my pain into purpose.

I created a social media page to document my mom’s journey and mine as her full-time caregiver. I wanted to give voice to the raw, real moments—both the heartbreak and the hope. I also partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to host a support group specifically for adult children caring for their parents. It’s a space where we can share, cry, laugh, and lift each other up.

A Life Full of Love and Legacy

My mom is my hero. A single mother who raised me on her own, she worked at NASA for 50 years. She went from working on computers every day to struggling with basic tasks like getting dressed. Watching her fade has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced. It feels like she’s on a raft, slowly drifting away, and I’m standing on the shore, unable to pull her back.

We’ve always had a close bond—I'm her only child—and now she lives with us. My children get to see their grandma every day, and I cherish that. Of all the roles I play—wife, mother of two, business partner—being her caregiver is my highest calling. She cared for me when I was young, and now it’s my turn.

Lessons from the Journey

Caregiving is exhausting—mentally, emotionally, and physically. My advice to others walking this road? Give yourself grace. Take things one day, one moment at a time. Embrace the good days and pray through the bad. And most importantly, don’t take things personally.

One of the hardest moments was when my mom didn’t recognize me as her daughter. It shattered me. But I’ve learned to separate the disease from the person. The woman I see looks like my mom, but Alzheimer’s has taken over. That shift in perspective has helped me survive the toughest days.

Why Awareness Matters

We need to talk about brain failure the way we talk about heart disease or cancer. The brain controls so much of our body, and when it fails, the impact is devastating. Dementia isn’t just about forgetfulness—it’s about losing pieces of someone you love, bit by bit.

Fundraising and awareness are critical. We need early detection. We need answers. We need to end Alzheimer’s.

A Final Word

If you’re caring for someone with dementia, know this: you are not alone. Your story matters. Your love matters. And together, we can build a community of hope and healing. Call the Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.