CINCINNATI — The Flying Pig Marathon is one of the biggest races in Ohio. But for one family, this year’s race has special meaning after doctors diagnosed their matriarch with Alzheimer’s disease.
“The running and being together is just glue that just keeps us feeling so good about life,” Dick said.
But this story really isn’t about Dick earning another medal — it’s about the why behind the race.
His wife Jean is 88, and doctors recently diagnosed her with Alzheimer’s disease. The family believes this may be the last time she’ll be a part of the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati. So her daughter, Mary Soller, plans to push her in an adult jogging stroller — all to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s.
“I think it’s wonderful. It really gives you a good idea what it’s all about,” Jean said.
Mary often thinks about her mother’s diagnosis and the memories she’s slowly losing.
“This photo of my parents on their wedding day, it’s just really cute — kind of shows the story in the beginning,” Mary said while looking at her parents’ wedding photos.
Mary knows their time together is getting shorter, so she wants to make the most of this upcoming race.
“I think, you know, just living in the moment,” Mary said. “It really kind of shows you that because of the memories are lost doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy the moment.”
The Sollers aren’t sure if they’ll run the 5K or 10K just yet, but they are excited to be at one of their favorite races together.
“Whenever we can get together and doing things like this, we’re gonna keep doing it, I think,” Dick said.
