I want to share the legacy my mother, Beatriz Cornejo, left behind.

She was born and raised in Mexico. She met my father while teaching at a school in Agua Prieta, and they married and had 2 children, me and my brother.

For my mom, her garden was her sanctuary. She loved working in her garden and seeing the flowers bloom. Her favorite flowers were roses. I recall every house we lived in had rose bushes, which she planted. Each time I smell a rose, I remember my mom and how much she enjoyed the beauty of life.

My mom shared her passion for life by baking. Her delicious cakes were beautifully decorated in a way that brought a smile to the face of anyone who saw them. She put everything she had into her cakes. Every cake was special to her. Everyone who knew her remembers her for the cakes she created.

My mom was dedicated to her children. She and my father sacrificed in order to provide for us. They gave up many things to make sure my brother and I had the best education possible. It was never about them, but always about us. My mom worked hard and she shared that ethic with me and my brother. It made us who we are today.

The legacy she left behind lives through me. I work hard every day and I do it for her. The things I have been able to accomplish, I never could have done without her love and sacrifice. Every year I walk with Team CORNEJO in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s to honor and remember an amazing woman, my mom!

Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. In San Diego, 60,000 individuals are living with Alzheimer's and other dementias and the region has more than 136,800 unpaid caregivers on the front lines.
 
On October 18, 2014, at 7:30 a.m. at Balboa Park, the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a walk to help reclaim the future for millions and advance research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide. By participating in the 2014 Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's, participants show their commitment to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support.

Participants are also walking in support of the Alzheimer's Project, sponsored by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, to mobilize the community to find a cure and improve the care for those with dementia as well as increasing support for those that serve as caregivers.  In San Diego communities, the third most prevalent cause of death is Alzheimer's. Together, we can make progress towards changing the course of this disease.

Register to Walk Today!