In 2011, my mom Jinha was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. It was a devastating blow to our family. My mom was a pillar to our family, often sacrificing her own needs for the benefit of her children.
She and my dad met in South Korea while he was stationed there serving in the United States Army. It was love at first sight. They quickly married and remained married until she was called home to Jesus to finally be at rest. They were married for 39 years and 4 months. Together they traveled the world and had 3 children along the way, finally settling down in San Diego.
My mom was a hard worker and a dedicated mom. As I said before, she often sacrificed her own needs for her children. She was also incredibly brave. She left her home country and followed a man she loved to a land she didn’t know, that spoke a language she hardly understood. But that didn’t hold her back. She took each and every obstacle in stride and found ways to adapt.
We joined our first walk in 2011 (before Alz SD split off from The Alz Org) and have been walking ever since!
In 2013, my then fiancé and I decided that we wanted our wedding to honor my mom, so we decided to get married on walk day. It will be 11 years TO THE DAY this coming walk! My dad had been truly living out his wedding vows, “In sickness and in health” and it was important for us to start our own marriage honoring their example and using it as a cornerstone for our own marriage. We have walked every year since (with the exception of a few) to honor my mom and to celebrate our anniversary. It has been an incredible reminder of the vows we made to one another.
In 2020, my mom ended her battle with Alzheimer’s and was welcomed home to Jesus’ loving arms. She is survived by her husband, 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

We continue to walk to honor my mom, and now, as well, my husband’s grandpa Jerry and grandma Sally. Grandpa Jerry went home to Jesus in 2022, and is survived by his wife Sally, 2 children, 8 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Grandma Sally continues to fight with abundant support and care from her daughter, Cathy.



Support Me As I Walk4ALZ!

Did you know that there are more than 100,000 San Diegans living with Alzheimer's or another dementia?

This October, I will Walk4ALZ to help provide thousands of San Diego families with care and support today. Please consider sponsoring me and help me make a local difference.

100% of the dollars we raise will stay in San Diego to help our community!

Remember, big or small, every dollar makes a difference. Please give as generously as you can and thank you for your support!