Tony Hawk is grieving the loss of his mother, who died on Christmas Eve after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The retired professional skateboarder wrote a touching note on Instagram honoring his 94-year-old mother, Nancy.
"We watched helplessly as she slid away – mentally and physically – in rapid decline over the last few years," Hawk, 51, said. "With each visit it became less likely that there would be any signs of recognition. Instead of dwelling on the painful disease that took her away from us, I would like to honor her with acknowledgement of the successes in her life."
Hawk shared how his mom grew up during the Great Depression, married and earned a doctorate degree -- all while encouraging her children to pursue their passions.
"She worried when I got hurt skating, but never discouraged me from doing it because she understood the unparalleled joy it brought me," he wrote. "She taught me to treat everyone equally, to embrace diversity and help those in need."
"She adored her grandchildren, and they adored her back," Hawk added. "She touched many lives with her kindness and I believe she left the world a better place for countless others."
Hawk said his older sister found "end of life" wishes from their mother -- a form which she filed out in her "cognitive days."
(MORE: Saving Carter: Family of boy with rare disorder dubbed 'childhood Alzheimer's' launches campaign to save him)When asked how she wanted to be remembered, Nancy replied: "She was funny; adored life, friends, and family."
In 2018, Hawk opened up about his mom living with Alzheimer’s -- the most common cause of dementia in which 5.8 million Americans are living with today. The disease irreversibly destroys memory and thinking skills, with its symptoms slowly getting worse over time, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
"I visited my mom today. She has 93 years of life behind her, but the last 10 have been increasingly corrupted by Alzheimer’s and dementia," he began in his post from last year.
"She was strong, vivacious, quick-witted, edgy and ultra supportive in those days. When I see her now, she doesn’t recognize me."
My mom died peacefully this afternoon after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s / Dementia. Instead of dwelling on the disease that took her away, I would rather acknowledge the successes in her life (see screenshot)
— Tony Hawk (@tonyhawk) December 24, 2019
And please support @Hilar4Charity and/or @alzassociation pic.twitter.com/wpOvBrrd6Y
Hawk's openness on social media has drawn support from thousands.
He later shared a holiday photo on Instagram, thanking fans as he and his family mourned.
"Thank you for all the kind words about my mom; she is the star on top of our tree," Hawk said. "Hug your parents and hug your kids (ours are awesome btw). Let’s all make the world a better place in 2020."
Hawk has been concluding his posts by asking people to support two organizations that promote Alzheimer's advocacy: Hilarity for Charity and the Alzheimer's Association.
