Imagine forgetting the most significant and defining moments of your life. Picture yourself waking up in the morning and seeing a stranger beside you, where the love of your life once slept. All of those moments of intense passion or overwhelming happiness, the moments of loss that tore you down or made you stronger than before – all of them begin to fade away.

It’s a terrifying idea for anyone, but for many of us, that frightening idea is a painful reality. More than 5.4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and to this day, it claims the lives of 1 out of every 3 seniors.

In 2012, Santa Clarita natives Karen Spalter and her husband Matt began their own Alzheimer’s journey. Just over four years ago, Matt Spalter was diagnosed with early onset dementia. What began with forgetfulness and mild confusion has rapidly progressed into much more devastating symptoms. Matt now has trouble talking, walking and recalling both long- and short-term memories.

However, Karen and Matt aren’t ready to surrender to Alzheimer’s disease just yet. As Matt’s symptoms continued to progress, Karen joined a local support group and signed up to walk with a local fundraising team for the SCV Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Now they’re taking their mission one step further. This October, Santa Clarita is again hosting its own local charity walk, and Karen, along with her family and friends, have started their own team called Team Make a Difference.

The 4th Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s has already amassed more than 180 participants and raised more than $35,000 for the cause. Today, they need your help to reach their goal of $65,000.

If you know anyone suffering from the tragic effects of Alzheimer’s, or you simply want to help the victims of this disease, visit the link below for full details on how to volunteer or donate to the cause. Just 45 minutes of your day could bring hope and support to the millions of Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Details for the Alzheimer’s Association California Southland Chapter SCV Walk to End Alzheimer’s:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016

Time: Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., festivities start at 8 a.m., walk starts at 10 a.m.

Website: act.alz.org/scv

For sponsorship or exhibitor info, contact Rick Ferrante at rferrante@homecaresantaclarita.com or call 1-800-808-4777.

Exercised in both fiction and nonfiction, Eric Inneo is working as a political, societal, and cultural commentator online and in print.