I am fundraising for Josie & Grandpa Bernie
I am beyond thrilled to share that I will be running the 2026 NYC Marathon this fall with Team Alzheimer’s Association. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness and funds to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission to advance care, support, and research in the fight against this devastating disease.
My grandfather, Bernard J. Greenblott, was a U.S. Military Veteran, an Engineer and Executive at IBM, and most importantly, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Bernie was a very smart man and when he initially received his diagnosis he kept it to himself, not wanting to upset his family or allow the disease to take over his life. For the first year after his diagnosis, he did his best to hide his symptoms from those around him. Until finally he couldn’t hide them anymore and had to tell his loved ones. Alzheimer’s disease slowly took everything from him, his ability to walk, talk, care for himself, and ultimately the qualities that made him who he was. Watching such a strong and accomplished man suffer through this disease was heartbreaking for our family. In 2005, just two years after his diagnosis, we lost him at the age of 78.
Running the 2025 NYC Marathon was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It gave me the chance to honor my stepmom, Josie. Josie was born and raised in New York City, and running this marathon in her hometown feels like the most meaningful way to honor her again. Running in her city I truly feel her with me during every mile and step of the way. Having the opportunity to do that again is something I never imagined I would get to experience, and I cannot wait to run in her honor once more while supporting a cause that is deeply personal to me.
Today, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to nearly double by 2050. Every dollar raised helps the Alzheimer’s Association continue its critical work to enhance care and support programs while advancing research toward better treatments, prevention, and ultimately, a cure.
Thank you so much for supporting me and joining the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. 💜
