My Meema taught me how to bake before I could even reach the countertop. She would pull out the old kitchen stool, its creaking wood giving its last few uses to me—holding my pudgy feet up so I could steal chocolate chips from the batter and pretend to help stir.
Earlier this year (2026), my grandmother—who all 11 of her grandchildren lovingly call "Meema"—was officially diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.
Disease has a tendency to steal. It steals health. It steals strength. It steals time. But dementia is unique in its cruelty. Watching someone you love slowly lose pieces of themselves is one of the hardest things a family can experience. It feels as though the disease steals them twice: first in recognition, and then, eventually, in life.
That is why I created this fundraiser.
To honor the woman who first placed a mixing spoon in my hands and inspired the passion that became my bakery, I've committed to donating a portion of the revenue from Jill's Cookie Jar to the Alzheimer's Association in support of research, care, and the fight against all forms of dementia.
Every cookie sold is made in honor of my Meema and the countless families walking this same difficult road.
I love you, Meema. Thank you for teaching me so much more than how to bake.
