Run to Remember

Melanie's Story:

My wife Melanie has Early-onset Familial Alzheimer's disease. Early-onset patients very often display symptoms in their 40s. For Melanie's specific genetic mutation, the average age of symptom onset is 41 years old with an average life expectancy of 12 years from onset. She is currently 41 and has had symptoms of cognitive decline for approximately 3 years. Early-onset Alzheimer's follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Both Melanie's father and grandfather passed from this disease at a young age. Because of the dominant inheritance pattern, each of our three children has a 50% chance of inheriting the genetic mutation. The mutation is 100% predictive for developing Alzheimer's. She is currently enrolled in an investigational drug trial through the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU) at Washington University in St. Louis that for the first time may help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

A Run to Remember:

I have run many miles over the last 20+ years, including over 30 marathons and 20 ultra marathons, but by and large I've pounded the pavement and the trails for myself - to see how far or how long I could push myself. But this year, I am challenging myself to run farther than ever to raise money and awareness for Melanie and Alzheimer's research. During my 50th year, I am going to attempt to run 5,000 miles and raise $50,000 for the Cure Alzheimer's Fund (Alzheimer's Disease Research Foundation).

About Cure Alzheimer's Fund: The Alzheimer's Disease Research Foundation funds research with the highest probability of slowing, stopping or reversing Alzheimer's Disease, including DIAN-TU studies like the one Melanie is a part of. 100% of donations go directly to Alzheimer's research. Not only will this potentially benefit Melanie and others currently in their prime suffering from Alzheimer's, but this research can help the next generation of patients who may not know that they are carriers of this tragic disease.

The Ask: Running 5,000 miles is simple - average about 100 miles a week or about 14 miles per day. However, $50,000 I know is a heavier lift. That's $10 per mile. Please partner with me to help me reach my goal, whether $1,000 or $100 or $10, every mile counts.