We asked Canadians to share their thoughts on why they participate in the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.
Read their stories.
Marie-Paule B-LeBlanc
Years Involved: 6
Location: New Brunswick
Why I Walk for Alzheimer's:
For the past six years, I’ve been working at the Alzheimer Society of NB as the Event and Philanthropy Coordinator and have been organizing the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s. In the past I walked for my uncles and my aunts who were affected by dementia, but this year everything changed when my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. My brother and I are now his caregivers and our goal is to help him live well and create beautiful memories. Eventually, I know he will forget our names, he will forget that I’m his daughter and he will even forget about his only granddaughter (my niece) before she starts school. Nevertheless, I know he will never forget the way we made him feel, and he will continue to hold our memories in his heart. This is why I walk.
Shaylan Spurway Bubinas
Years Involved: 9
Location: Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District
Why I Walk for Alzheimer's:
I participated in my very first walk in 1999 when I was 13 years old.
In May of 1998, my Grandfather passed away and I wanted to do something to honour his memory and raise awareness and much-needed funds for the disease that he lived with for over thirteen years.
As a young girl, it was very difficult to understand the complexity of what was happening but I was aware of the effects that this awful disease not only had on my Poppa but everyone close to him as well.
I continue to walk every year, only missing a few while I was away at University, and in 2022 I was honoured to participate with my daughter who was just 5 days old on walk day. I think her Great-Poppa would have been elated. I am proud to continue supporting our local organization that does so much for the members of our community who are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Kay Ayres
Years Involved: 19
Location: Waterloo Wellington
Why I Walk for Alzheimer's:
When I was in my 20’s my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. Many years later my husband Bob developed vascular dementia. He lived for nearly 13 years with it. Before he died, my mom Margaret developed dementia. She lived nearly 8 years with it. By the time she died, my second husband Don was diagnosed with dementia. I have had so much dementia in my life. So I walk every spring with my canine friend Joey. And will continue to do so, until I can’t.
David Lloyd Shaul
Years Involved: 9
Location: Toronto
Why I Walk for Alzheimer's:
I walk to support the Alzheimer Society of Toronto and to honour the memory of my dear friend, Fern Cohen. And for all the good work the Society does in providing support for people living with dementia, their caregivers and friends and families.
Fern and I met at the Dunfield Retirement Residence and we became good friends. She was a great artist, we played golf together, went to the opera and symphony. However, her Alzheimer’s gradually progressed and eventually worsened. While she is no longer with us, I participate in the Walk to honour and remember her.
Anne Treschak
Years Involved: 19
Location: Niagara
Why I Walk for Alzheimer's:
I walk for Alzheimer's to honour several of my family members that have had dementia, most especially my mom. She was a smart, kind, and loving woman. Her laughter lit up a room. When diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 47, my brother and I were teenagers. The Alzheimer's Society was there to provide programs and essential guidance. I walk to remember my mom, to help ensure that others receive this indispensable assistance, and to show my gratitude to the Alzheimer's Society for all that they do. This is a legacy that I'm passing on to my children.
Dominic Boyd
Years Involved: 5+
Location: Nova Scotia
Why I Walk for Alzheimer's:
I walk to honour my mother, Margaret Boyd, who faced her journey with dementia with grace, dignity and acceptance. As her care partner I found invaluable support from our Alzheimer Society; the support group and the education series. Now I volunteer as a support group facilitator and raise funds through the Walk.
Shelly Jones
Years Involved: 10
Location: New Brunswick
Why I Walk for Alzheimer's:
My family and I have been walking since 2014 in loving memory and honor of My Mom, Glenna Jones. We keep her memory alive through the walk and we love to support this cause that makes a difference in the lives of families who are affected by this disease. We know she is with us when we walk and is proud of us for doing this for her.
Ernest Oliver
Years Involved: 5
Location: Grey-Bruce
Why I Walk for Alzheimer's:
I walk for Alzheimer’s in memory of my Mom, Stella Oliver.
My Mom raised 6 children in Newfoundland. My parents came to Ontario in 1973. She was a quiet lady who loved to do things for her family.
I moved to Port Elgin 19 years ago and have been participating in the Walk for Alzheimer’s for 5 years now. I walk to raise money so families can get the help they need from the Alzheimer Society.
I walk for Mom!
Ann Knight
Years Involved: 28
Location: Muskoka
Why I Walk for Alzheimer's:
In 1985, when my mother was diagnosed, I was one of the first of a group of people to meet in the parlor of The Pines, Long-Term Care Home in Bracebridge, Ontario. I witnessed the demand for services grow, and watched the Society form into what it is today. With over 2,600 people living with dementia in Muskoka and Parry Sound, the Walk is an incredibly important fundraiser, for an incredibly important organization.
Jim Tye
Years Involved: 20+
Location: Waterloo Wellington
Why I Walk for Alzheimer's:
I first got involved with the society when my in-laws Walter & Joyce Brydges were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I went to the caregiver support group, which really helped us. I was asked to be on the board and served many years as treasurer and president for Guelph and through the transition and migration to ASWW. The first walk I attended was in Mount Forest and it was outside in January. I helped run the Mount Forest Walk and/or participated in the walk ever since. During Covid my neighbour and I walked our county block. This past year Freddie and I committed to walk 10,000 a day for the month of May. We walked 462,095 steps or 355 km and raised $8753.00. I do it every year to pay tribute and remember the wonderful in-laws that we lost to this terrible disease.
