My mom had a hard life. She was a Holocaust survivor who lost almost her entire family. She was robbed of her teenage years, her family, her way of life, and her country.

Why I Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Walker Name:  Susan Karr

Hometown:  Potomac, MD

Team Name:  Flo’s Team

Participated in the DC Walk on Oct. 9

Involved with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s since 2011 -This is our 10th year!

Contributions welcome. https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2021/DC-NationalCapitalArea?px=4615369&pg=personal&fr_id=14365

Q: Other Alzheimer's Association programs, services, activities you have participated in:  

A: Advocacy, contacting my representatives to ask for more funding. 

Q: Why do you support the Walk and the Alzheimer's Association?

A: My mom had a hard life. She was  a Holocaust survivor who lost almost her entire family. She was robbed of her teenage years, her family, her way of life, and her country. But she and my dad immigrated to America after WWII, worked hard, had two children, and created a good and productive life. Flo was a very caring and wonderful mother, wife and grandmother. She loved to laugh and loved being with her friends and family. Alzheimer’s robbed her of that life. I felt that she was robbed once again but this time it was of her memory and ability to communicate with people and enjoy the fruits of her labor. 

Q: Please share a favorite memory of your loved one. 

A: When I think of my mom I think about the pride that she had in her cooking and baking. She loved making her favorite traditional dishes during the holidays. We so enjoyed being together on those special occasions. One of the first signs that we realized that something was wrong was when she no longer remembered how to make one of her favorite recipes. It was a very sad day. 

Q: What would you say to someone to encourage them to join the Walk?  

A: Alzheimer’s disease has a devastating impact for millions of people who suffer from the disease but it also takes a tremendous toll on the family who are often the caregivers or who manage the person’s care. I helped manage my mom’s care for eight years including her living situations, her finances, and her medical and administrative needs. 

Q: Any other thoughts, comments, info you'd like to share? 

A: More research and funding is vitally needed. The cost of care for an Alzheimer’s patient is astronomical, and my parent’s savings were all used to pay for her memory care. We need more consumer and government support.