This Weymouth athlete is running to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s
"We must find an end to this terrible disease."
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: Colleen McLaughlin
Age: 24
From: Weymouth
My love for running started when I was young as part of a local track club. I went on to run track in high school for Weymouth High School and cross country for Saint Anselm’s College.
I have always dreamed of running the Boston Marathon and now in just a few short weeks I am so excited to be running as a member of Team End Alz.
Unfortunately, I have seen the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s firsthand. First having lost my grandfather two years ago and his loving wife and my nana, last summer. Seeing them each robbed of their wonderful identities was heart wrenching. The cruelty of this disease is that it does not just impact the patient, but their families that desperately try to provide care for their loved one. While my grandparents’ and family’s suffering has ended, each day new families begin to follow this horrible path that my family knows all too well.
I am hopeful that through the generosity of my donors and those of my teammates we can help make a difference to end this suffering. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In the last twenty years deaths have increased nearly 150 percent. We must find an end to this terrible disease.
Thank you to all that have supported my fundraising. Your generosity has deeply touched me.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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