Same disease, different story. 

I joined this organization back a long time ago (in a galaxy far, far away) because I watched my Grandmother, Francis "This Nana" Merendino fighting her life. You know the name and the story. 

I continued my BvB journey because of the friendships that I had built, and my dedication to stop this gut-wrenching disease. 

This might be my final year in the organization, but my fight will never be over until we have a cure.

This year I am raising funds for my high school friend, Frank Barker, his family, and his wonderful Father who I only got to know through stories from Frank. 

Joseph Barker III was a Texas man through and through. He also served this country, and became an officer in the United States Army and served a year at the foot of Mount Ararat near Erzurum, Turkey, as a commissioned field artillery officer. He completed his service at Fort Hood, and achieved rank as Captain upon his retirement. 

In 1979, he married the love of his life Norma Bonds, who Frank describes as the ultimate strong woman. 

Joseph ultimately brought his family to Houston as one does when they work in oil and gas. Thats when Frank Barker plopped down at my lunch room table Junior year in high school. Frank was extremely quiet and shy, but I remember he had a gelled quaff that no other boy at The Woodlands High School could ever pull off or obtain. (You did good, Frank)

Frank and I reconnected a few years ago through mutual friends. He would send me photos and updates of his father. It was so surreal to be reliving my experiences with my grandmother through Frank, but only I wasn't a caregiver. 

Frank and his family lost his father to Alzheimer's Disease on April 21, 2023. 

Frank - this one is for you guys.