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Katharine Yenke is running for Alzheimer’s patients like her dad
"I’m determined to do everything I can to make more memories, more firsts, and spend more time with my amazing dad."
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your story here.
Name: Katharine Yenke
Age: 23
From: Sudbury
I’m running the marathon for my dad who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s when he was 58 and I was a senior in college. After his diagnosis, my mom, sister Susan, and brother Michael’s worlds flipped. We have learned to love differently and weather the storm of Alzheimer’s. My dad means the world to me and I am excited to run 26.2 miles in honor of everyone’s favorite Yenke.
My dad spent his life serving others and putting his family before everything. Growing up my dad was someone everyone in town knew as their favorite football coach who at times was a little too tough on them. I knew him as the dad who never missed a lacrosse game, was my first phone call in almost every situation, and the athlete I always wanted to be. I’m humbled to have the opportunity to finally give back to my dad for a cause that is so close to my family and six million other people’s hearts.
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I’m determined to do everything I can to make more memories, more firsts, and spend more time with my amazing dad. I’m running to raise awareness for this terrible disease and for everyone who has been affected by it. I’m running for the caregivers who put their lives aside to assist and care for Alzheimer’s patients that can’t care for themselves. I’m running for everyone my dad has impacted in his 60 years. I’m running to end Alzheimer’s!
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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