The upcoming DLS 5k for Lewy Body Dementia will be directed by me, DLS’ own Recruiting Manager, Kate Marden. I have been with DLS since 2011. Much has changed in my life during that time – most for the better. But in 2017, I lost my mother to Lewy Body Dementia. DLS was tremendously supportive to me (and my family) during this time, and I well remember commiserating with our CEO, Jim Bellas, who also lost a family member to dementia.
Did you know that in places like Ikaria, Greece – one of the world’s original Blue Zones, dementia is virtually non-existent? In fact, if you are studying Greek, Italian, Spanish, or Japanese, you may end up in a part of the world where dementia is the exception rather than the rule for the aging population. And yet in the United States, dementia is a very real, very destructive public health concern – see the statistics on Alzheimer’s alone in the US here.
Since my mother passed away, I have been looking for an opportunity to support the Lewy Body Dementia Association. I am very fortunate to have the full support and partnership of DLS in raising funds for this important organization, so I am entreating each of you to take one step in helping fight this destructive brain disorder. If you haven’t heard of Lewy Body, that’s ok – you’re not alone. Despite being the second most common form of dementia (after Alzheimer’s), most people have never heard of it – I certainly hadn’t until my mother’s diagnosis. If you recall Robin Williams’ tragic suicide 10 years ago, he took his own life after receiving a devastating diagnosis – Lewy Body Dementia.
Race Details
We will be running at 9:00am on Saturday, August 24th on the W&OD Trail in Arlington. And when I say “running”, you can walk, jog, run, or anything in between. What matters is your support. If you aren’t able to participate but want to show your support, you can donate to the race fund on the registration page.
In addition to supporting an important cause, I can personally guarantee you’ll have fun at this low-key event—complete with finish-line snacks, swag, and top-finisher prizes!
