Introductory post & Contest!

Hello Blockheads!!

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Amy Cavenaugh (@twisted_writer) and I am one of the team captains of Blockheads Against Alzheimer's. I originally came up with the idea of starting this team when I saw the Alzheimer's Association tweet about The Longest Day, which is coming up on June 21. This came a day after the Boston Marathon, when I was desperately looking for something I could do. Granted, this is not to help the victims of the bombing, but it is something I can do to help others. Since I have recently become a runner, I needed a goal to get me in gear. The Longest Day is giving me that. I plan to run as many miles as possible on that day, in support of those suffering with Alzheimer's. It's a terrible, memory-sucking disease and I want to see it eradicated in my lifetime. My grandmother passed away in 2009. She had the disease. She always seemed to know who I was, thank God, but often forgot I was divorced, which kids were mine, things like that. It was tough but I know many have it a lot worse. One thing I'll always remember is how her face would light up when she saw my children. She may not have remembered they were mine but she knew she loved them. She knew they were special. I don't know if there's a bigger heartbreak than someone you love not remembering you. So we need to do what we can to put an end to this horrible disease.

On Super Soul Sunday, a TV show on the OWN network, I heard a quote about Alzheimer's that I'd like to share. I don't remember the exact wording but in a nutshell, Alzheimer's is like ripping a page out of a book each day until you're left with only the front and back covers. Heart-breakingly true.

I don't want this blog to only be a downer so I also wanted to announce our first contest. My sister and I ended up with an extra deluxe box set of NKOTB 10. We ordered two, but now realize we can share one. Why not give the other one away? So we decided to offer it to anyone who donates to our team, Blockheads Against Alzheimer's (@BHsAgainstAlz) I will leave the contest open until June 1 and we will draw a name from the donations. Simple as that. Be sure to let us know you've donated and that amount. If you want to donate anonymously, just DM me or @BHsAgainstAlz to let us know who you are and what you've donated. We are more than willing to share the love. :) Please help us in our efforts! Any donation amount is a blessing that we are so grateful for. Just think - you might get the box set for as little as $10! We hope to make more than that, but hey, whatever we can do. :) We were going to give it to the highest donation but have decided drawing a name old school style is more fair and fun. :) Good luck!

Thanks so much for reading! Now, let's get this and #EndAlz!! Donate here: thelongestday.alz.org/home/team/92022