How the Disney Princess Half Marathon Helps Me Recharge as a Fromer Dementia Caregiver

The toughest year of my caregiving journey was the final six months of 2021 before my mom passed away. The anxiety I felt during that time is something I’ll never forget. I bottled up so much fear and uncertainty as I tried to navigate the complex decisions that come with being a caregiver. One of the most difficult moments was when I was asked to sign the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form for my mom while she was in the hospital. I was terrified, and the weight of that decision felt unbearable.

My mom was recommended for home hospice care, but everything felt like a blur. All I knew was that I needed professional medical and emotional support to help me through this. It was during this time that I first heard the term 'transition.' To my shock, I misunderstood it—I thought it referred to her transitioning to the final stage of dementia, not to the final stage of life.

Hospice became a lifesaver for both of us. Their love, guidance, and support were invaluable, and they helped me find the strength to care for my mom in her final days. I will forever be grateful for the compassion they showed during that time.

Three years after my mom’s passing, I still struggle with the crippling anxiety that developed as a result of losing both my parents and realizing that my two pillars of strength were no longer physically with me. To cope with this loss, I’ve sought counseling to help manage my anxiety and grief.

This journey—of loss, caregiving, and healing—has led me to participate in the Disney Princess Half Marathon to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Your support will help provide the resources needed for caregivers like me and support families navigating Alzheimer's and dementia. I hope that through this race, I can help raise awareness and make a difference for those who are facing similar struggles.

Link:  2025 The Longest Day: Usha N Tewari | The Longest Day - Outshine the Darkness of Alzheimer's