Help support my swimming fundraiser!

I suspected that I was going to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s because my father had it, and I’m very much like him. My husband started noticing things about eight years ago — things I wasn’t picking up on, and things that needed to be repeated. Multiple tests over the years, multiple hours, “significant decline” is what they said. I was diagnosed at 66.

At that point, I started on Lecanemab, receiving infusion treatments. This ended up causing complications for me, and we did our best to manage these complications. I also found a support group of others with early Alzheimer’s here in Massachusetts.

Most recently in my career, I was a paraprofessional at a middle school, but I had to step down due to my cognitive decline. They did their best to help and accommodate me, which I so appreciated — but I couldn’t do what the kids needed.

I’ve been a swimmer for eight years, and I’m doing a lot more of it now that I have more time. I am fundraising for Do What You Love by aiming to swim 15 miles by the end of September (and I have a race this weekend!). Please make a donation of any amount to support me and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Life is still good. I keep busy — taking care of the house, pottery and swimming.

This journey has made me more aware. People don’t realize how lucky they were until their future changes. But life is still good.