Last year I wrote a letter to the editor describing my experience at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. My father is living with the disease and seeing him flourish amongst all the support and love of that day is a memory that I cherish.

Although a year has passed, my dad is why I’m registered to walk again this year. He is still my reason. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. That’s 5 million reasons to register for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Maybe it’s your neighbor or friend. Maybe you’re like me and it’s your father. Thirteen million American women are either living with the disease or are caring for someone who has it. It could be your mom or your sister, your favorite teacher or your cherished aunt.

Every 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. Is it your best friend’s grandmother? Is it your cousin, your bus driver, your favorite athlete or movie star, your uncle? Maybe you?

The reasons to register for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s taking place on Oct. 8 in Waterville are endless. What’s yours?

Laura Rivers

Augusta