Dear Grandma

By Shannon Kasun, Neuroscience Specialist

A young Shannon Kasun in the arms of her grandma, "GB."

Dear Grandma “GB,"

It’s been over a year since we said goodbye, but you’re never far from my thoughts. Your laughter, your stories, and your extravagantly decorated, much-too-large hats still bring me joy. 

Yet, what lingers most is how Alzheimer’s slowly dimmed the vibrant light that was you.

Watching you navigate the world as the disease took hold was heartbreaking. I saw your frustration as memories slipped away and your once-sharp wit faded. It was difficult to watch someone so full of life struggle with the simplest tasks. But through it all, you remained the heart of our family—loving us in the ways you could and teaching us patience, resilience, and the value of every moment.

Your journey ignited something in me. I promised myself that I’d work to understand this disease and help others protect their brains. That promise led me to CerePro Bioscience, to a life dedicated to neuroscience. Everything I do is rooted in the hope of sparing others from the pain you and our family experienced—and honoring the legacy of the incredible woman you were.

GB, you’d be amazed by what we’ve learned since you’ve been gone. We’ve made huge strides in unraveling the intricacies of Alzheimer’s. We now know and understand how powerful lifestyle choices are—how what we eat, how we move, and how we care for our bodies and brain can shape our cognitive future. Every time I stumble upon these discoveries, I think of you and wish I could have done more.

But, I know you wouldn’t want me to dwell on regret. You’d want me to keep going, to keep fighting for better futures for other families. So, I channel my love for you into my work at CerePro Bioscience. In a way, you’re still with me, guiding me to make a difference.

Thank you for everything you gave me, GB—your love, your wisdom, and your strength. You are my inspiration, and I will carry your memory in my heart as I continue my work—there's still so much to be done.

With all my love, 

Shannon