The Long Goodbye: Why We Fight

When Mary was a little girl, her father knew everything.

He taught her how to ride a bicycle, how to tie a fishing knot, and how to believe in herself when life became difficult. Every birthday, he sang the same silly song before cutting the cake. Every Christmas, he told the same family stories that made everyone laugh.

Then Alzheimer's disease began to steal him away.

At first, it was small things. Forgotten appointments. Misplaced keys. Repeating questions. The family brushed it off as normal aging.

But Alzheimer's wasn't finished.

Soon, Mary noticed that her father couldn't remember the names of his grandchildren. The man who once knew every detail of their lives would smile politely and ask, "Remind me, who are you again?"

The hardest day came when Mary walked into his room at the care facility. She sat beside him, held his hand, and said, "Hi Dad."

He looked at her with confused eyes.

Then he quietly asked, "Have we met before?"

In that moment, her heart broke.

Alzheimer's doesn't just take memories. It takes conversations, traditions, relationships, and pieces of the people we love. Families experience a grief unlike any other—a loss that happens slowly, day by day, while the person is still physically present.

Today, millions of families are walking this painful journey. Children become caregivers for parents. Spouses become strangers to one another. Precious memories that took a lifetime to create can disappear in a matter of years.

But there is hope.

Every dollar raised funds research, support programs, education, and care services that help families facing Alzheimer's. Every fundraiser brings us one step closer to better treatments, better care, and ultimately, a world without this devastating disease.

We cannot give Mary her father's memories back.

But together, we can help create a future where fewer families have to experience the heartbreak she endured.

That's why our team is fundraising.

We're not just raising money. We're raising hope. We're honoring loved ones who have been affected by Alzheimer's. We're standing with caregivers who feel exhausted and alone. And we're fighting for a day when no child has to hear a parent ask, "Who are you?"

Will you join us?

Whether you donate, fundraise, walk alongside us, or simply share our mission, you become part of something bigger than yourself. You become part of a movement determined to end the long goodbye that Alzheimer's disease forces upon so many families.

Join our team today.

Because memories matter.

Because families matter.

Because together, we can change the story…

I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank those of you who have already contributed to this year’s Alzheimer’s Texas fundraiser. Your generosity and support truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this disease, as well as their families and caregivers. We are incredibly grateful.

For those who may not have had a chance yet, there is still time to get involved. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps advance critical research, expand support programs, and bring hope to the more than 350,000 Texans currently living with Alzheimer’s.

This cause remains very close to my heart and to all of us at Westminster and LCS. Together, we can continue making a real impact in the fight against this devastating disease.

If you’re able, please consider making a donation using the link below:

https://secure.txalz.org/campaign.jsp?campaign=49&fundraiser=22&

Or you may send a check to my attention at

Westminster
4200 Jackson Ave.
Austin, TX 78731
(Payable to Alzheimer’s Texas)

Thank you again for your consideration and for helping us move closer to a future without Alzheimer’s.

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We’re proud to partner with Westminster, Austin’s premier Life Plan retirement community, to support those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Known for their rich tradition of service and excellence, Westminster exemplifies their unwavering commitment to community through the Westminster Celebrates Alzheimer's Texas campaign. A special thank you to the residents, staff, volunteers, and families whose compassion and creativity continue to inspire us. Together, we’re creating meaningful change right here in our community.