When I first learned of my dad's Alzheimer's diagnosis, it felt like the world had stopped spinning. Suddenly, all the plans and dreams my dad had for himself and our family were put on hold. I knew that eventually, he would no longer be the same person I had grown up with.

My dad, a proud Air Force veteran turned successful small business owner and talented writer, was a poet, had freelance articles published in Texas Monthly, and was the first Black reporter at the El Paso Times newspaper. In my eyes, he was the smartest man in the world! It's heartbreaking to see someone I once viewed as the smartest man in the world struggle with seemingly simple tasks like eating or bathing.

It was even more difficult to watch my dad become increasingly dependent on me and my mom. As he lost his ability to perform everyday tasks, we had to step in and help him. I was constantly reminded that this was only the beginning of my dad's decline, and that things would only become more difficult as the disease progressed.

It was a difficult realization to come to terms with, and it was hard not to feel overwhelmed by the feeling of dread and uncertainty.

In the midst of my grief, I also felt a sense of responsibility to care for my dad and to make sure he was comfortable and dignified despite his condition. I knew that I had to be strong for him and for our family, and I was determined to do whatever it took to make sure he was taken care of.

Although it’s a painful and difficult experience, I'm grateful for the time I’m able to spend with my dad as a caregiver. His Alzheimer's diagnosis will always be a part of my life and our family's story, but it has also been a reminder of the love and resilience we all possess.

My experience with Alzheimer's has inspired me to become an advocate and to help raise awareness of the disease. From the support groups I've attended to the conversations I've had with other caregivers, I've been able to learn more about the struggles and triumphs that come with being a caregiver. I believe it's important to share our stories and to provide support to each other, so that no one has to go through this journey alone. I hope that by talking about Alzheimer's, I can help to reduce the stigma associated with it and make sure that people affected by the disease are provided the care and respect they deserve.

This year, I'm participating in The Alzheimer’s Associations “The Longest Day” campaign to bring awareness to the darkness of Alzheimer’s disease.

It is important to remember that although Alzheimer's can bring darkness into our lives, there is always hope. Through support networks and advocacy, we can make sure that people impacted by Alzheimer's are provided the care and respect they deserve. We can also find strength in the moments of joy, love, and connection that can still be found even in the face of such a diagnosis.

"Hi, my name is Jessicca Cason and I have been a part of the Alzheimer’s Association since 2006, so, many many years of learning, supporting, and educating those going through their Alzheimer’s and dementia journey.

It started out as a job for me out of Angelo State University- my first real job. I learned so much so quickly about dementia and Alzheimer’s, and I truly fell in love with the community that surrounds this disease.

It became personal for me in 2008 when my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and all of that knowledge that I had as “the professional” or “the expert” went out the window because I didn’t know what to do anymore…so we very strongly relied on the Alzheimer’s Association . My mom and I went to every support group that we could find, and we went to every education program that we could, just really immerse ourselves in information and get the knowledge that we needed to be good caregivers and care partners, even to each other. We did lose my grandfather in 2014 to Alzheimer’s disease, but I have continued to fight and to serve the organization because there’s so many others that are continuing to go through their journey and I want them to know that they’re not alone, and that there are others there to support them and to encourage them and to get them the resources they need.

It is my hope and my prayer that one day, and I really think we are getting closer and closer, that we will have our very first survivor. So, I hope that you will be encouraged and that you will know that no matter where you are in your journey with Alzheimer’s and dementia, that we have support for you and resources available to you.

If you would love to be more involved, like myself and so many others, there is a great home for you- whatever your talents and timing skills may allow, there’s a great place for you here with the Alzheimer’s Association. You will definitely not regret it. It is one of the most fulfilling things that I have ever done and will continue to do until we have our very first survivor .

See the full video submission on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AlzWTX

"I’m Dr. Elvira Carrizal-Dukes and I’m a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association. I’m very grateful that I’m able to use my skills as a writer and my experience as a comics author as well as an academic scholar researching graphic medicine, to assist the Alzheimer’s Association and facilitating journaling and doodling workshops for caregivers to promote stress reduction, and relaxation. I’m also a caregiver and I understand how stressful it can be to do the job of a caregiver, but also to watch a loved one go through the awful disease of Alzheimer’s, and other dementia. I understand how important it is to have these types of resources for caregivers people dealing with this disease. Please help support the Alzheimer’s Association and together we can end Alzheimer’s."

See the full video submission on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AlzWTX

My name is Ronnie Dukes, of Dukes Comics. I’m an artist who creates comic books. When David Hernandez approached me to be a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association, I jumped at the opportunity. It has been my honor to help him create the doodling workshops. As a caregiver, I can relate to the caregiver experience, and as an artist, I understand how my art has helped to reduce my own stress and keep me in a very positive mind-frame, and it’s been my goal to help to share that with the Alzheimer’s Association and their movement to help end Alzheimer’s.

See the full video submission on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AlzWTX