Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Murray.
Brittany, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My husband & I had the honor of being my moms caregivers for 13 years while she fought early onset Alzheimer’s (diagnosed at 52 years old). I used to run with my mom before she was sick as a way for us to catch up while I was in college. I started running with her again once she was diagnosed to help her stay as strong as possible. It then turned into walks & eventually her becoming bedridden & me running with her as my cheerleader on the sidelines. She was at the finish line in her wheel chair for my first half marathon. In 2024 I ran my first marathon (the Chicago marathon) for the Alzheimer’s Association. Mom was on my right as I took the turn for the finish line. A moment that I will never forget because we weren’t sure if she would be there as she was on hospice. I then signed up for the NYC marathon in 2025 with the same fear wondering if my mom would still be here. Sadly she passed after a very courageous fight against Alzheimer’s (12-14 years) August 26th 2 months before the marathon. I continued my training which ended being an integral part of my healing. Those 26.2 miles were the hardest miles of my life. The finish line felt as if it were the close of a chapter & the beginning to a new one. A life I/we are still trying to navigate & figure out without “our girl.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Far from smooth. I had just turned 23 when my mom was diagnosed & trying to finish my masters degree. I felt inadequate to care for someone else. Alzheimer’s is cruel & relentless. We were both losing our independence simultaneously. The anticipatory grief can be unbearable. Running became my outlet. An escape from my current reality + hard as well as a way to stay connected to something my mom & I cherished. My husband & I often struggled with friendships because of the unique situation we were in so early in life made time to travel or simply go to birthdays or friend houses very challenging. We also put our dreams on hold. We to this day would do it all over again & at the same time being a caregiver in our 20s & 30s was far from a smooth road, but we did it. We made memories & always tried to find the blessing in the hard.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a tax accountant. I’d say the thing I am most proud of is how I balanced a career & caregiving. Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 2 days after I went full time with my firm. To be able to provide the care I provided for her as well as be a reliable hard working employee is something I feel proud of. What sets me apart is my capacity. I have a way of handling a large capacity & meeting goals even in unique circumstances like caregiving at such a young age.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My faith & my family. God is the author of my story. He is my joy & my strength. My hope & peace. My family is my why in life. I cherish them & the gift they are to my life. Friends who have become our family as well. People matter to me. My happiest days are when my house is full of people. Graham & I both have hearts that long for our home to be where people know they are welcome & wanted.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Alzjourney
