A couple's cause: fighting Alzheimer's

WHEAT RIDGE - Mike Holbrook doesn't go to work for a paycheck. He goes to work for his dad and everyone like him.

The residents at The Mountain Vista Health Center in Wheat Ridge light up when he walks in the room. There is a comfort and compassion the Alzheimer's patients feel from him. Holbrook treats each person like they are his own parent. When he sees them, he sees his father, Rick, who lives in California.

"My dad was diagnosed at 52 he is now 55 and probably within the next 2 or 3 months he will be in long term care," says Holbrook. "I made a decision when I saw him struggle that I had to do something to make a difference in people's lives."

Mike decided to quit his job in the hospitality industry to dedicate his time and career to long term care for people with Alzheimer's disease.

"I work not for a paycheck, I get paid, don't get me wrong, but the paycheck is nothing compared to the smiles on people's faces everyday," he says.

"I can't say it's all fun and games and easy every day but it is rewarding. I spent many nights at home thinking about my dad after a resident has passed or we get a new resident in that reminds me of my dad," He adds.

His dad is too sick to come to Mike's wedding on Friday but he will still be a big part of the celebration.

"Part of our wedding is trying to get everyone from in our wedding and from our reception to the Alzheimer's walk the next morning," Holbrook says. "We felt that was the perfect way to start our new lives together."

The Memory Walk raises money for Alzheimer's research and care.

MIke's fiancé, Jessica, lost her grandmother to Alzheimer's and she feels passionate about raising awareness too.

Mike and Jessica say their lives will be devoted to this cause.

"I just don't want to see anyone go through what my Dad is. If we can find a cure for Alzheimer's the world would be a better place if you ask me," he says.

The Alzheimer's Association is hosting the Memory Walk on Saturday morning, September 19th, at City Park in Denver.

You can find more information at: http://alz.org/co/