It’s that time of year again — a time that always feels heavy as we watch my papa, someone who means everything to our family, continue to fight this horrific disease. Seeing Alzheimer’s slowly take pieces of him day by day, week by week, is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

If you know my papa, you know he’s the light in any room. His sense of humor is unmatched — he’ll do anything to make you smile and won’t stop until he does. He’s always been the kind of person who can’t stand to see anyone sad or upset, and he’s truly one of the best people you could ever meet.

This disease has taken so much from him and from all of us. Watching such a strong, hardworking, and funny man begin to lose so much — from recognizing loved ones, to doing simple everyday things, to even speaking the way he used to — is incredibly painful.

But through it all, we’re holding onto every good moment we still have. We cherish the time we spend with him, especially seeing him as a great-grandpa, and we’re making the most of every second while we can.

Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect one person; it affects entire families. If you’re able to, please consider donating to this foundation in hopes of finding a cure — not just for us, but for every family going through the same heartache. Every little bit helps.