My mom had signs of Dementia a year before the family notice it. Covid and the passing of her husband (of 55 years) triggered her symptoms even more. She has had Dementia now for 7 years. I promised my dad I would take care of her. I have been her caretaker for 5 years. It has not been easy. Each year we do something special to create new memories and share special moments. There are over 210,500 people living with Dementia in North Carolina and these numbers are expected to increase. Caregivers for individuals with dementia are a rapidly growing sector of our older population. In NC, an estimated 381,000 dementia caregivers are providing 739 million hours of unpaid care each year. This is why Dementia Alliance of North Carolina focuses all of our efforts locally and offer insight, compassionate support, and assistance to those who are living with or caring for individuals throughout all stages and types of dementia. Over the past year, Dementia Alliance of North Carolina has served over 14,000 people living with dementia and their caregivers with the care and support they need to navigate a dementia diagnosis through our education, navigation and support programs. That is why I am fundraising at this year's Walk to Defeat Dementia! Will you join me in supporting caregivers and those living with dementia?