This September, I’m running the Berlin Marathon in honor of my ammama (grandmother), Lakshmi, who raised me with boundless love, strength, and laughter. As I grew older, I began calling her by her name—“Lakshmi, enna di epdi iruke?”—a playful break from tradition that always made her laugh. She was my whole world.

She was born in pre-independence India, where women had few rights or opportunities. But she was determined that I would live differently. She wanted me to be successful, educated, and financially independent—to have the life she couldn’t. She gave me everything so I could build something of my own.

Today, she’s in the final stages of Alzheimer’s. She’s bedridden, unable to speak or eat, and the last time she recognized me was in 2019. That year, I used my savings to bring her to Rochester to see my world as a PhD student. She was glowing with pride, telling everyone I was earning my doctorate in vision science. She even described Niagara Falls to her neurologist—how we went on a boat and she saw a rainbow. She didn’t remember the trip, but she remembered how it made her feel.

I was raised by her and my thatha (grandfather), who was blind due to retinal detachment. Their love and resilience shaped me into who I am. She is my last surviving grandparent—and watching her fade has been heartbreaking.

Writing this out is incredibly difficult. I’m sitting with tears in my eyes, reliving memories I’m afraid to lose.

Running this marathon and raising funds is my way of grieving, of holding on, and of doing something—anything—that might bring hope to others facing this cruel disease.

Alzheimer’s doesn’t just steal memories—it strips people of their dignity, independence, and connection to those they love. It leaves families navigating a slow, painful loss that never really ends.

That’s why I’m raising $3500 for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Their work gives me hope—for better care, earlier diagnoses, and a future without this kind of heartbreak.

If you’re able, please consider donating. Every pound helps. I’ll carry your support—and her spirit—with me for every step of the 26.2 miles.