On November 13, 2021, I am embarking on my #RunForRoy. I am running the Richmond Marathon to honor my Papa, Dr. Roy A. West, and to raise money for prime of life neurogenerative brain disease research and support. My grandpa, or Papa as I called him, was a giant to me. He was hands down one of my favorite people throughout my life. This is my first marathon and I chose this race specifically because of my grandfather. Richmond is special to me because of him and his connection to the city. My Papa is a former Mayor of Richmond, city councilman, and RPS school principal. My love of Richmond stems directly from my grandfather. Every inch of this city is a daily reminder of him. With every route that I run, I pass something that has some connection to or memory of him. I literally feel his presence everywhere I go. A lot of people have special relationships with their grandparents, but mine with my Papa was truly unique. I lived with him on and off as a young adult and learned so much about who he was. Every day he told me to, "Never take any wooden nickels," from anyone and helped to mold me into the woman I am today. Living with him while he was healthy and during his final years allowed me to identify the startling changes and shifts in his health, get him the medical attention he needed, and care for him until the very end.

After a misdiagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in late 2017, he was officially diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (“PSP”) in early 2018. I had never heard of this condition so quickly Googled to familiarize myself with it. PSP is a rare brain disease that affects one’s movement, control of walking, mood, behavior, and thinking. The symptomology is similar to Parkinson’s, but it affects people with PSP at a much faster rate. Many people are initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s, that’s how similar the symptoms are. I soon learned that although PSP isn’t fatal, a person’s symptoms will continue to worsen and unfortunately there is no cure. Up until November 2017, my Papa was still riding around Richmond and “roaming” at his favorite stores as he called it. In a matter of months, my strong-willed, fiercely independent 88-year-old grandfather became totally dependent for all aspects of daily living. His once clear, commanding voice was reduced to a quiet mumble. Because of his advanced age, his condition deteriorated rapidly. I watched my Papa go from walking unaided, to using a cane, moving around with a rollator, to eventually being completely wheelchair bound. Nothing prepares you to care for a loved one, but I am grateful that I spent so many days by his side and had resources like CurePSP. Talking about life. Holding hands and laughing together. Loving, learning, and uplifting him.

During one of our many conversations, Papa shared with me that when he was gone, he did not want to be forgotten. I think about my grandpa daily, but this comment has stuck with me every day since his passing. I actually chuckle at the thought of him thinking that I could forget him because he’s left an indelible mark on my life and so many others. Everything I do has always been and will always be to make him proud. He was one of the biggest influences in my life and always pushed me to be my best self. My grandfather was notoriously no-nonsense and as his granddaughter I was not immune from this. Although remembered for many things, my grandfather was hard working, loving, compassionate, and funny.

On November 13th, I am running to honor his greatness and raise money for CurePSP. CurePSP is a nonprofit that works to improve awareness, education, and to find a cure for neurodegenerative diseases. CurePSP was an invaluable resource to me and my family while navigating my Papa’s diagnosis and care. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting my Papa, heard me talk about him, or seen a picture of him, please consider donating. All money will go to CurePSP. Supporting me in my #RunForRoy will help advance research, provide resources for families and caregivers like me, and better educate the healthcare community about this rare disease. I cannot overstate how much my grandfather meant to me and how much I loved him. Please join me in my #RunForRoy!