“It’s not a death sentence. It’s a life sentence!” That’s what VENA PATTON told me last year about her diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s. Since then – she’s been living life to the fullest.

To mark one year of bringing you uplifting and inspiring stories through Discover the Joy: The Purdy Podcast, I’m catching up with several of my most popular guests. Vena has been boldly navigating life with the degenerative disease that has no cure, and she’s redefining what it means to live with purpose.

Diagnosed in 2018, Vena updates us in this episode about the groundbreaking treatment that wiped out sticky amyloid plaque from her brain (yes, zero plaque on her PET scan—so no Alzheimer’s symptoms!), and the treatment that’s now helping keep those brain pathways clear.

She’s also endured harsh side effects from the medicine, but Vena keeps showing up—even at work (yep—she can work again coding!) And she’s working on a bucket list that would make anyone jealous. But what’s been most fulfilling for her is uplifting others through faith, prayer and volunteer service while sharing how early testing for Alzheimer’s gave her a fighting chance.