When Mom died it broke me but there have been two main ways I've coped with the unimaginable grief. Serving others and running. Mom was constantly serving others--neighbors, friends, strangers, her own kids-she lived to try to lighten your load and put a smile on your face. On days I'm feeling sad I try to channel Mom and bring light to others through small acts of service. And on the especially heavy days I lace up my shoes and head out for a run somewhere quiet to cry and talk to the universe with hopes Mom is listening. It only seems appropriate to combine those two things in her honor.

In September I'll be experiencing the longest week of my life when I run the Grand to Grand Ultramarathon (275km in 6 stages over 7 days) to help raise money for the Alzheimers Association in Mom's memory. The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Her life got cut short by this horrible disease but hopefully our small efforts can bring awareness and help in the fight to find a cure so others are not robbed of precious time with their loved ones. #shinelikeLinda