Journal
It's hard for me to believe that I've already walked more than 500 miles! Looking back at some of the video footage, including the drone shots which show the incredibly beautiful landscapes and long stretches of roads, memories flashed before me. The small towns and settlements each with their unique features and charm. But what has been most impressive have been the people I've met.
Dr. Judy Benjamin met with Kathy Bernard, host of The Grands Podcast, to discuss her 3,000-mile walk from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida. They talked about her early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis at age 67, including her family history, her mom and uncles passed away from the disease.
On April 12th I celebrated the 13th anniversary of when I started my journey to wellness and recovery from memory loss with Dr. Dale Bredesen's protocol. The rough course today challenges my resolve. The wind pushes me forward and back. The narrow ledge on the shoulder limits my walking space. But my walk is a journey, not a race.
Dr. Judy Benjamin appeared on the Good Morning Arizona Show this May. She spoke with anchors Kylee Cruz and Alaina Kwan about her 3,000-mile walk across the country and the reasons she undertook the journey. Benjamin encouraged others to take their brain health into their own hands, explaining that there are things you can do to reverse cognitive decline, as she has.
As I am heading closer to the California-Arizona border, I am walking uphill and feeling a little breathless because of the climb; these are the first of many climbs I will be making as I move along, and it has been a great way to test my endurance and stamina. I've enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the cows in the pasture, and the desert chaparral so far.
I'm a little over a week into my journey, which started on April 5th in San Diego. The Arizona border lies ahead as we head toward Blythe, Calif., located in the Palo Verde Valley of the lower Colorado River Valley Region. I have loved telling my story of hope and possibilities for better brain health to the inquisitive people who stop me by the side of the road.
Fox News Senior Health editor Melissa Rudy spoke with Judy Benjamin, a wellness coach and Dr. Dale Bredesen's "patient zero," about her 3k-mile walk across the U.S. from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at age 67, Benjamin told Rudy that she is determined to raise awareness about brain health and demonstrate that a diagnosis doesn't mean the end of a vibrant life through this walk.
I just finished my first day of the journey, walking through beautiful San Diego, known for its stunning beaches and temperate climate. It was satisfying to leave months of planning, preparing, and training behind me and to finally be on my way across America to St. Augustine, Florida. I will miss my cats, but I am excited about the people I may meet and the adventures that lay ahead. As I walk and bring attention to living a full and healthy life with purpose, I hope others will follow in my footsteps.
My Sponsors
Heartfelt thanks to all my sponsors — your support makes this journey possible. Check out these organisations to see why I'm proud to partner with them.
