There are moments in life that shape us forever. 
For me, one of those moments was watching my father slowly slip away to Alzheimer’s.

When my stepmother passed in 2017, I traveled to Michigan to bring my dad home to the Lowcountry, back to family, back to warmth, back to love. His memory was fading, but his spirit never did. Every time he saw his grandkids, his whole face lit up. Even on the hardest days, those smiles reminded me that joy can survive even the toughest battles.

My dad served our country proudly in the U.S. Navy. He faced dementia with that same quiet courage. But when COVID struck, just three days before he passed, we couldn’t give him the burial he deserved. No celebration of his life. No final goodbye surrounded by the people who loved him. Only a remote flag ceremony that did the best it could in an impossible moment.

I carry that with me every day. The grief, yes, but also the gratitude. Gratitude that he spent his final chapter surrounded by family. Gratitude that he found happiness in the laughter of his grandchildren. Gratitude that I had the chance to care for him when he needed it most.

That is why I am dancing.
Not because I’m a professional....not even close.
I’m dancing for him.

And I’m dancing for every family who is walking the same difficult road we did.

The ARK of SC gives hope and relief to families living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, families who often feel overwhelmed, heartbroken, and alone. I know exactly what that feels like.

So when you support my Dancing with the ARK Stars campaign, you’re not just cheering me on.
You’re honoring my father.
You’re standing with every caregiver.
You’re giving families the help, respite, and compassion they desperately need.

I’ll give everything I have on that dance floor, for my dad, and for the families who still need The ARK’s light.

Thank you for standing with me.