Another Step in the Journey

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of speaking at the 2023 DuPage County Walk to End Alzheimer's. Surrounded by my sister, family and dear friends, I shared a little bit of the "walk" we've been on for seven years, since May of 2016. That was when my mom, Donna L. McCarthy, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Below is an excerpt from that speech.

"Our Mom - Big D - was just something else. Mom was larger than life- to many people. She’d give people hell on the phone and then they’d meet her and they say- OH - YOU’RE DONNA? And she’d say- you’re "blankety blank" right I am, and continue giving them a little hell.

She was tough, but that was all a facade. Deep down, she was a softie. She had so many friends from all different walks of life and that’s not surprising because she made friends so easily- everywhere she went. And that didn’t stop with the Alzheimer’s. With each new caregiver, she would throw them out, call the police, let them back in to hug and then soon, the cycle would start all over again. Those are hallmarks of the disease, especially in the earlier stages. However - it was also…just Big D!

But Alzheimer’s biggest irony is the balance of what remains versus what is taken. At times we watched her beautiful face melt into a mask of worry and fear, while singing out in happiness and joy just a few moments later. We watched her hands and legs curl in and harden, but her eyes were always dancing in the shadow of the sun.

It was also seven years of laughs, stories, hugs and love. We knew her peace would only come through death…. And her light shines on in how she lived.

With most any other illness, the goal is to treat and rehabilitate. But, with Alzheimer’s are no cures; there are no survivors. However, recent discoveries such as the drug Leqembi, the first medication that’s been shown to SLOW the progression of the disease INCLUDING declines in memory - is giving thousands, millions of people what we all want - MORE TIME with loved ones. But do you know what would even be better?

To keep diligently working to find a cure and ERADICATE this horrific disease.

And it is because of this goal - the goal to END ALZ - that the work of the Alzheimer’s Association is so crucially important.

It’s important to educate families about the warning signs, as early treatment can delay its development.

It’s important that families and caregivers have resources and support as they desperately try to keep everything intact.

It’s important that ALL people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias receive fair, equitable treatment and care.

And most importantly- they need funds to continue their advancements in research to find a cure and our first survivor.

Thank you all so very much for coming out this morning to share your stories of hope and inspiration. Thank you for the incredibly hard work of all our teams! Your support is not only appreciated by so many touched by this disease and other dementia; it is the driving force behind our shared journey of hope, compassion, and progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

I want to also say thank you to Big D's supporters! Thank you to Joe Chura, and staff - at Go Brewing! THANK YOU for opening your doors to us all year long- you have simply been INCREDIBLE and I will never forget your kindness and generosity.

Pinot’s Palette Naperville - J McLaughlin’s Naperville, Allegra Print & Mail Marketing - Belgio’s Catering - THANK YOU for always being there for me!

Thank you to the DuPage County union building construction trades, especially the IBEW Local 701, Laborers 68 and CISCO - Thank you for understanding that this disease strikes many, including our parents, our retirees, and our members. Your generous support will most certainly help us in the fight to end ALZ.

And to our Big D’s team members and its many supporters all over the country- thank you once again! Thank you for embracing Big D and her daughters. We love each and every one of you and we THANK YOU for your dedication and contribution to our fight to end ALZ!"

I'm so proud to share that the DuPage County Walk to End Alzheimer's brought in over $400,000! What an incredibly special morning it was!

If you have endured a loss due to Alzheimer's or dementia, and wish to share a memory of your loved one, please comment below. If you have not experienced this devastating disease, please take a moment to learn about early warning signs and know that the Alzheimer's Association? has incredible resources should you need support down the road. #ENDALZ