Colorado Springs - Alzheimer's forces millions of Americans to watch their loved ones lose the simplest abilities to do things like walk and talk. That's what Martha Michel was forced to do.
Her husband, Dr. Lester Michel, lost his fight to the disease in 1998. Martha started a ritual a year before he passed that she still continues today. She walks around the pond at Namaste Alzheimer's Center 6 days a week.
"After I got quite a few miles, I kept setting goals and then I thought I can do 10,000 miles, so I did," said Michel.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, 5.3 million Americans currently live with the disease. That number is expected to double in the next 10 years while loved ones stand my helplessly.
Lester was unable to talk or walk in his final year. Martha says she visited him everyday and encourages other families to do the same.
"Just keep loving them and caring for them," Michel said.
Martha has a bad ankle and back, but says she will continue to walk. She hopes to celebrate 20,000 miles in the future.
