Running the Chicago Marathon in honor of my Mom

Mom inspired me to seek adventure

Five years ago today

On this day, October 13, 2019, I ran the Chicago Marathon in memory of my Mom. Although I had previously run many long distance races, this race was extra special - I was running the Chicago Marathon as a member of the Alz Stars Team to raise awareness of the dreadful disease that destroyed my mother.

My mother taught high school English, literature and film in high school

A victim of early onset Alzheimers

My mother passed away in 1996 at the young age of 71 from Alzheimers’s disease. That was 28 years ago. Back then, not much was known about Alzheimers. Today, we know a lot more about Alzheimers and how to support those who have it.

Our family struggled with her illness - her symptoms started when she was in her early 60’s. I had never heard of Alzheimers disease before my Mom. Our family coped the best we could with her failing memory. As her disease progressed over the years, she would get lost in places she knew well and kept forgetting words and repeating herself. We eventually had to make the tough decision to move her to a nursing home. By her late 60’s, she no longer recognized us. There was nothing we could do except watch her decline. We were devastated when she passed. She was too young to leave us.

A little bit about my Mom

Mom was a much-loved high school English teacher at Minisink Valley Central School in Slate Hill, New York. She enjoyed interacting with her students and sharing her passion for literature and film. She was also a dedicated mom to the four of us - Jeff, Jan, Jim and I. We were known as the four “Jays.” After our father died in 1966 at the young age of 41, she became a single mom and worked very hard to support us. Mom went back to college to finish her teaching degree. While working full-time, she completed graduate classes at night to earn her Master’s Degree at Lehigh University.

My Mom and Dad in July 1966 shortly before our father died.

Pushing me to seek new adventures

Although Mom was busy working full-time, she found time to take us on wonderful adventures. I remember fondly the camping trips to the Adirondack mountains. We had a used pop-up camper that we set up in a state campground near Raquette Lake. It was here that I developed my love for the outdoors and my passion for seeking adventures.

One summer my Mom let me take a float plane ride over the Adirondack lakes. I remember vividly the bumpy take off - holding on tightly to the armrests as I gazed out the window and watched as the floatplane rose over the water. Seeing the mountains and lakes from above gave me a perspective like none other - the world is so much bigger than we realize. So much to see and do. Payne’s Air Service in Inlet, New York still flies today. In fact, I took another flight years later with a dear friend.

Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings. - Hodding Carter

A float plane in Moose Pass, Alaska.

Mom fostered my love of horses

After my siblings left for college and the armed forces, I was home for a few years where I had Mom all to myself. Looking back, I realize that this period of time in my life (before I left for college) was precious - I think I took it for granted. My Mom and I did fun things together. I had always wanted to go trail riding so Mom found a local outfitter who could take me on trail rides. We did not have a lot of money back then but somehow she found a way to let me pursue my love of horses. I spent several hours in the saddle riding the local trails where we lived.

Years later, I bought my first horse for around $700.00 - a purebred Arabian gelding. When Mom came to visit, I would take her riding.

Mom on Rubi Saba, my first horse

Sweet memories still here for me

Some of the special moments I remember the most were the simple things Mom and I shared. She loved flowers and I remember bringing her cut flowers to adorn her kitchen table. She loved eating out at local Italian restaurants. I remember that she liked to order a bottle of Chianti wine to have with her dinner. We had a family tradition in the winter - my brothers would be sent outside to cook London Broil on our charcoal grill - no matter how cold it was. Although Mom lost her memory to Alzheimers, I continue to remember our shared experiences for as long as I can.

Every day I think of her and how much I miss sharing my life with her.

My Chicago Marathon experience: supporting Alzheimers research and funding support for families in need

The AlzStar Team for the Chicago Marathon 2019.

At home, I join in local walks to help raise awareness.

Walking with family members in Elmira, New York

Advancements in Alzheimers

Today, we know a lot more about Alzheimers but we still do not have a cure. New treatments are available to treat symptoms. We have come a long way since 1996. I only wish these treatments were around to help my Mom. We need to keep pushing to support more research, drive risk reduction and support early detection.

Someday we will find a cure. In the meantime, please support your local Alzheimers support groups.

Please join me as I seek new adventures, inspired by my Mom.