Mayor Declares Nov. 4 'Day Of Remembrance' And Honors Twins

Each year on Nov. 4, identical twins Makayla and Bryanna Shields celebrate their birthday in a unique way -- instead of getting gifts, the twins ask friends and family to make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association. 

So far, the girls have raised a total of $2,900 for the association, in honor of their great grandmother, Mary Bellici, who suffered from the disease. 

At Wednesday's City Council meeting, Mayor Rob Schroder and the city council honored the girls and proclaimed Nov. 4 an official Day of Remembrance. 

"Have you ever started to do something and forgotten what it is you were going to do? This is what life is like for people with Alzheimer’s every day, all day," Bryanna said. "Each year at our birthday party, in lieu of gifts, we ask our friends and family to make a donation. Made in memory of our great grandmother, Mary Bellici."

"This is why my sister and I decided to celebrate our birthday in a very special way," Makayla said. "We want to inspire others and spread our message of hope and awareness."