Woman And Father Participate In Alzheimer's Walk Before He Walks Her Down The Marriage Aisle
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - A woman walked to honor her father's battle against Alzheimer's disease on Saturday morning; and in the evening, her father walked her down the aisle.
"I keep telling people I'm having two of the most important walks of my life in the same day," said Nicole Jenkins.
It was a wedding day like no other. It's a timeless ritual and a powerful moment for the father of the bride, giving his daughter's hand away in marriage. But for Nicole and her dad, time is especially precious.
"I'm happy; I'm excited," said Nicole.
Michael Jenkins was smiling for the pictures on his daughter's wedding day. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2007. His family has watched as their father has slowly slipped away.
So before saying "I do" on this night, Nicole did what she's done year after year. She and her mom took her dad on the Walk To End Alzheimer's around the capitol.
"This year we raised over $1,000, which -- I'm going to start crying -- just all the support they have for my dad," said Nicole.
Michael doesn't say much now. His body is in good shape, but the disease has left his mind debilitated.
The Vietnam War veteran also served 28 years as a Sacramento County deputy.
"He's done so much for us, and now it's time for us to do something for him," said Nicole.
Nicole says she picked her wedding date before she realized it fell on the same day as the walk.
Once she found out, she knew this would be a jam-packed day.
