Resident Runs First Marathon to Honor Mother and Sister Lost to Alzheimer's

North Reading, MA - North Reading resident Corinne Casey-Montejo never ran more than three miles before September of 2015. This year, she joins the RUN to End Alzheimer's Boston Marathon team to take on 26.2 miles on Marathon Monday to honor the memory of her mother and sister that she lost too early in their lives to Alzheimer's disease.

"The RUN to End Alzheimer’s team has made a big commitment in the fight against Alzheimer’s,” said Jim Wessler, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter. "Their dedication is inspiring and also supports critical research and support programs.”

Corrine's mother was diagnosed at the age of 61 with early onset Alzheimer's disease, the family rallied around her mother and provided round the clock care at home until she passed away in 2003 at the age of 71. A few years later, her worst fears came true, her sister Jane who was living with Down Syndrome was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 40 years old. Corrine was extremely bonded to Jane and managed her care until she passed away in May of 2015 at just 47 years old.

"Jane was my purpose and I needed to find release in another way,” said Casey-Montejo. “This is my first marathon, it will require serious hard work and dedication on my part, but it pales in comparison to what families struggling with this disease have to go through. I am running for my family and countless other families whose lives have changed in so many ways."

To date, Corinne has raised over $17,500 of her $20,000 fundraising goal. To donate to Corinne, visit alzrtr.org/1H9U0h7.

As part of the John Hancock Charity Program, the RUN to End Alzheimer's team will hit the road from Hopkinton to Boston for the Boston Marathon’s 120th anniversary. In 2015, the RUN to End Alzheimer's Boston Marathon team raised over $360,000 to help provide care, support and research funding for Alzheimer’s.