It’s hard to imagine not being able to remember the most important people in your life, your daily routine, or even your own name. Unfortunately for almost 50% of elders in recent years, that terrible nightmare is a reality.

Recent statistics say Alzheimer’s Disease affects one in eight people over 65 years of age. The disease causes the brain, including memories, to deteriorate. One of the saddest and most heartbreaking things in the world would have to be watching a loved one slowly fade away, forgetting everything about their life as each day passes until they are an empty vessel.

Instead of watching from the dugout, the Henry Ford College Softball girls decided to step up and make a difference.

“A lot of the girls on the team actually have grandparents who are currently suffering from Alzheimer’s,” says Courtney Garbarino, team member and proud supporter. “We wanted to pick a cause that was close to home.”

In order to raise money, the team designed special Alzheimer’s Awareness shirts and sold them. On one special game day that was dedicated to the fundraiser and getting attention on this devastating disease, the girls all wore their shirts and passed around a purple softball on campus between each other. Many of the girls even took a class selfie to show how many people support the cause!

“A large portion of all the money collected from the fundraiser is going to local families who have loved ones dealing with Alzheimer’s,” Garbarino says when asked where the proceeds would be going. “We didn’t want to single out one specific charity or organization.”

One of the team’s major goals was to get more people to understand the disease and how it works. Donations are still being accepted through any of the girls on the Henry Ford Softball team or through a link on their Facebook page (search Henry Ford Softball). Show your support by wearing white or purple; the colors that symbolize Alzheimer’s Disease.