Reba Price McGinnis was born in 1934. She was one of 11 children who grew up near by in East Tennessee. She married Carroll McGinnis, her high school sweetheart while he was in Medical School. She was an English teacher until she had children. Then she became Supermom. She was a huge volunteer and won First Lady of Knoxville because of her time volunteering in many ways. She was president of many clubs, Sunday school teacher, Realtor and Librarian. But most of all, she was a loving wife who took care of her husband, Carroll, for 40 years and raised her children in a Godly home.

Then a terrible disease stepped in. As my dad puts it “The love of my life is slowly slipping away.” At first mom could not recall names, got lost while driving and misplaced things. Next, she couldn’t tell her favorite stories that she told so often. And, finally, now, she doesn’t recognize the family anymore. One of the things she clings to is her love for reading. Throughout her life she was an avid reader. She is still blessed to read short pieces and verses in the Bible. Also, she still has her loving personality and social graces. She used to worry about everyone else and put them first. That still shines through. Realizing what is to come, we grieve at the future. She is slipping away.

My Dad was blessed to retire early and dedicates his life to her as he promised in their wedding vows 50 years ago. He says “She took care of me for so long, it’s my turn now”. I am very lucky to have such wonderful and loving parents. My mother always showed me endless love, was my biggest cheerleader, and would do anything for me and my brother. And, therefore, I would do anything for her. I want to help in any way I can to get closer to a cure for this heartbreaking disease. Join me.

My children have joined my passion for finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. McKenzie, my 20 year old, had a dream last summer about running a race with me. It was the “Forget Me Not 5K” for Alzheimer’s. She saw a picture of a cow with forget me not flowers in its mouth in the dream as well. McKenzie literally dreamed up a race and we got busy.

Our First Annual Forget Me Not 5K for Alzheimer’s was April 17, 2010 here in Lenoir City. Our goal is to raise as much money as possible through our 5K events and donate toward the cause of eliminating Alzheimer’s.