Donate to Alzheimer’s – Young lady’s hope

Katie Tyson is a young lady dedicated to the study of neuroscience. One day, she may be the researcher who makes the breakthrough discovery that raises the quality of life and HOPE for all diagnosed with dementia.

The daughter of our long-time friends, Katie has agreed to walk with a team during the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk in San Francisco on the 24th of September.

Katie writes:
I am currently attending San Jose State University working towards my B.S. in Chemistry Concentration Biochemistry. A close friend of mine was talking about walking in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

This sparked something in me. I had an opportunity to raise awareness and hopefully money for a cause that is truly important to me. Alzheimer’s runs in my family and as I heard family stories it became clear how devastating this disease can be not only for those affected but for their families. As I grew up I developed an interest in science and more specifically research.

I decided to pursue a degree in Biochemistry at San Jose State University and from here I am planning to get my Doctorate in Neuroscience. My research interests are in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

I want to work to ease the devastation these diseases impart on those with them and their families by researching them. I want to do what I can in every way to put an end to Alzheimer’s.

Katie Tyson is a member of a team trying to raise $1,000. This is their eleventh year of participating. Katie’s goal is to contribute $300 to her team supporting the Alzheimer’s Association through the Northern California / Nevada Chapter.

Katie goes on to write (edited):
I remember Dad picking up “Where’s my shoes?” He wanted to read it….I remember vividly him talking about his father’s mother. He got a phone call from the police that they needed to do something because she was shooting at the trees, because “the [an ethnic group] were stealing from her.”

When I was younger, before it really made sense, I thought it was funny. As I got older I realized how difficult it was for my family to understand what was happening and trying to cope with the unknown. The more I learn the more the disease saddens and concerns me.

Whoever donates the most to Katie’s walk by noon (Pacific Time), September 23rd will receive a signed copy of “Where’s my shoes?” with a personally inscribed message. Contributors, please return to the donor page after the noon hour on September 23rd. If your donation is the highest, contact me. The secure donation site does not display your contact information. To start, I invite you to join me with a $25 donation. If a dozen of us donate $25, Katie will meet her goal. If you want to send her stronger encouragement (neuroscience studies are hard!), donate more. Also give in honor or memory of your loved one.

As Katie continues her education and goal to help those with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, she will be strengthened with memories of our support.

Katie Tyson walks in 15 days on Sept 24 in San Francisco. Click on this line to ACT NOW to ensure she exceeds her goal. [TCV Update 2/7/2019: Link no longer available.]

When I asked Katie for her phone number so that I could call her, she replied:
I spend a good chunk of time in my research lab, which is in the basement of a lead-lined building; so I don’t get reception when I’m down here. Please leave a message.

We need committed researchers in-the-making like Katie. Will you support her? Someday, while buried deep in thought over a Petri dish, she will reflect fondly on our support while she makes a breaking discovery giving you and me a better quality life–one without the diseases of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lewy Body, and more.

Please DONATE NOW to Katie’s Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk.[TCV Update 2/7/2019: Link no longer available.]

Brenda Avadian, MA
Alzheimer’s / Dementia Caregiver, Expert Spokesperson, Coach, and Author