Hi friends and loved ones,

As I participate in this walk, as I have every year since 2013, I do so in honor of my mom, Abby, and my grandmother, Hope Patterson.

Some years are harder than others, and this has been one of those years. I’ve found myself pulling away from the process of writing this page and revisiting the loss. But I also know how important it is to keep remembering, to keep talking about this disease, and to keep walking—not only for my family, but for everyone who has been through it.

I still ache for these women’s company. I can picture them peeking through the window next to our door, waiting for Hopey to answer so they could scoop her up in big hugs—something they unfortunately didn’t live long enough to do. But they do in my heart. And that is why we keep going, and why we walk for them.

Mom, you cared for your mother as her memory and body failed her, in what I will always think of as a beautiful tribute to her. It was the strongest I ever saw you, and it’s the memory I choose to hold close to my heart forever. I miss you.

Gram, I think of you every day when I look at my little Hope, who has your exact dark, almond-shaped eyes. I miss you so much.

To everyone who has loved and lost someone to this disease: I am with you, as is every person walking in this meaningful event.

Sending all of my love,
Christine