TeamAlzheimers.org - 4 Stories About Our Runners

More Bio’s From TeamA

Amanda Skinner

I am the granddaughter of Noni (Marion Manzon) who had Alzheimer’s disease and am running in her honor. I am also a healthcare consultant, a former nurse-midwife, a Rice Owl and a Yalie, a runner since the age of 7 when my father got caught up in the ‘70’s running boom, and a bit of a hippie at heart. I am a wife, daughter, sister, auntie and friend and hope / aspire to be good at those roles above all others. I live in Connecticut with my amazing husband Kalter…

Julie Marshall

I have been enjoying the opportunity to run again after 15 years. I have completed 2 half marathons this fall and winter. I enjoy the blessing of being physically and mentally able to run when I want, I will be running for Team Alzheimers to benefit people who can not enjoy the quality of life they once knew.

My story is simple yet extremely personal. I have witnessed a dear friend’s mother through her progression of Alzheimers. She was diagnosed 6years ago. I have seen first hand the toll it takes on everyone who loves the patient as well as the fear and frustration of the patient. From the grandchildren who loses a grandparent, to the children who make tremendous sacrifices to support their parents while they mourn the lose of the parent they knew and loved, and even to friends and family; they all witness a slow progression of a disease that robs all vitality and leaves emptiness for everyone involved.

I will be running specifically to honor Mrs. Fraser, the mother of my dear friend, Lisa Fraser. The Fraser family has shown me through their example over and over the strength of family and love. They all open their hearts to friends with the same passion. The toll Alzheimer’s takes on an entire family is draining but they all bolster one another and have supported Mrs. Fraser through the progression of her condition.

I count myself lucky to know Mrs. Frasier during the early stages. Her life was tremendously full and she loved to tell the stories of her adventures. She came to America from India as a young widow with 2 young daughters. She supported herself and her small family as a teacher. She made it with a plucky attitude and a spunk and drive that were very endearing. Her stories of her life were colorful and always told with a twinkle in her eye that showed the positive attitude which was cornerstone of her overcoming tough odds. She never told a story of hardship that had a negative message but of triumphs, humorous anecdotes, and most of all sharing with others. Sadly, Mrs. Fraser has declined to the point where she rarely recognizes her family and can no longer recall the rich life she lead.

A recent photo of Mrs. Fraser and her daughters, Lisa and Moni show the deep love that bonds them together.

To honor the strength and generosity of this family, I am running on Team Alzheimers. My daughters, who have both benefited tremendously from the love of the Fraser family, will also come to support me and support what we will lovingly call Team Fraser.

Karen Domerski

Karen Domerski is a proud member of Team Alzheimers, and was inspired to run on their behalf by her grandmother who is currently suffering from dementia.

Karen is excited to run her first half marathon, having ran the 2004 ING NYC Marathon and the 2008 Boston Marathon (which she ran as part of the ReadBoston Team).

She currently works for a national non-profit organization called Jumpstart. After living (and loving) her time in Vermont during law school, she now lives in Boston.

Paul Goughan

I live in Holliston, Mass.

I married my high school sweet heart.

I am the father of 4 children aged 9 to 3 - three girls and one boy.

I enjoy running, playing soccer, skiing and tennis.

I have completed the past 7 Boston Marathons and am running the 2010 race.

I also have run several 1/2 marathons.

The most enjoyable race I have ever run was the 2009 Reach The Beach Team Relay...took an individual sport and made it a team sport. Running again in 2010 - although I expect that The Covered Bridge will be fantastic.

I went to college at Norwich University in Northfield, VT.

Favorite state: Vermont

Have dear friends who live in Quechee, and that is where we got our 2 -year old Golden Retriever, Amber.

This will be my first Covered Bridge Half Marathon and I am incredibly excited.

Alzheimers is a disease which affects many of us in varying ways and I am very glad to be running for this important cause.