Every 70 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease.  In the United States, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by mid-century.  That means more than 25 people develop Alzheimer’s in the time it takes to air just one half-hour news segment...it's sad for not only the person going through it, but also the family.

My grandfather, Robert Williamson, died from complications of Alzheimer's. Seeing him through the last years of his life was devastating. Once a wonderful kind-hearted man that wouldn't hurt a flea, he turned into angry man who kicked me once in the shin because he had no idea who I was...we were on a walk and only 5 minutes earlier, he was alert and talking about things we did together when I was a kid, his blank stare and frightened look came upon him quickly and he began screaming and telling me to get away, he was so scared, he kicked me...hard. I knew it wasn't my fault nor his, it was just that awful disease taking more of our memories. I cried like crazy that day and it would be only months later that he passed away. I think of him often and remember the days when he worked at the JCC and I would swim the day away and he would carve out some of his time so we could share lunch. He was a great grandpa.

The sad thing nowadays is that more folks in their 40s-50s are beginning to show early signs of Alzheimer's.... which is why we MUST bring awareness to this disease and the Alzheimer's Association wants you to join their fight. World Alzheimer's Day is September 21. You can help numerous ways.....grab your walking shoes for the Memory Walk that will take place in Charleston on October 24....log onto www.alz.org/sc to donate....or on September 21, join me and wear purple on World Alzheimer's Day.

Who knew that wearing purple could look so good??

Cheers, Ryan