Help Molly raise money

My grandmother, Margaret “Dee Dee” Neil was one of the most strong-willed, hardworking and incredible women in my life. She was the epitome of grace, my biggest role model, and I was the luckiest girl in the world to be her granddaughter. During my freshman year of college, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. My family was absolutely devastated, and struggled to watch as this disease slowly took away her autonomy and ability to advocate for herself. During my school vacations, I had the privilege of being one of Dee Dee’s caregivers. Having a job in healthcare, I had previous experience working with Alzheimer’s patients and had what I thought was an adequate understanding of the disease. Unfortunately, nothing can prepare you for the moment your own loved one is diagnosed. 

Dee Dee was stubborn in the best way, and always had the mindset that she could accomplish anything she set her mind to. Knowing this, it became increasingly hard to convince Dee Dee to allow me to take care of her, and it was frustrating for her to understand why she was losing her independence. She took care of me so well for 24 years, and I wanted more than anything to repay her for the love she showed me and the rest of my family. Thankfully, she eventually allowed me to assist her, and I had the opportunity to make some of the best memories I have had with her. For those of you who don’t know, Alzheimer’s Disease is often referred to as “the long goodbye”. This name stems from the anticipated feeling of grief that families experience while their loved one loses their memory. This disease often causes those affected to feel disoriented as they develop poor judgment, misplace items, ask questions repetitively, and eventually lose their own sense of self. 

Dee Dee was extremely intelligent, and I did my best to help her remember the extraordinary life she had. Dee Dee loved to show me old photos and tell stories of her past, she loved to cook and host parties for every holiday imaginable, she loved to teach me how to knit, she loved to dance to oldies music in the car, she loved Bloody Mary’s at Sunday brunch, she loved God and shared her faith with everyone in her life, and above all else she loved her family. I was so blessed to be the recipient of her wisdom and encouragement (and style advice!), and I am undoubtedly a better person because I was loved by her. 

Dee Dee passed away in February of 2022. As difficult as it was to watch this disease slowly take her from us, I am immensely grateful for the time I had with her. When Dee Dee passed, she was still lucid enough to recognize each one of us. I know she allowed God to take her before this disease prevented her from remembering us. 

All my life, Dee Dee encouraged me to challenge myself. As a child I believed she was invincible, and wanted to be exactly like her. She taught me the importance of working hard and pushing myself to achieve anything I wanted. In honor of Dee Dee, I have decided to run this year’s Falmouth Road Race with Team End ALZ on August 18th. My time with Dee Dee was cut short because of his terrible disease, and I hope that one day no more families will have to worry about Alzheimer’s Disease taking the life of someone they love. Dee Dee was always the first person I called when I needed reassurance, and I know that she will be with me every step of this race. If you are able, please consider donating, as all proceeds will go towards research striving to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. Thank you so much.