Anne and Mel Campbell - Kamloops Honorees

2021 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's

Mel Campbell’s philosophy is “You work hard and you get the reward for it.” When he and his wife Anne look back through the old photo albums she made for each year of their lives together, this outlook couldn’t be more true.

“There’s a lot of history,” Anne says. "Each album tells a story of the wonderful things we have been able to do together during our 55 years of marriage."

Among their proudest moments are raising their two children, seeing them graduate and begin careers of their own. Anne and Mel also welcomed grandchildren into their lives.

Catching a 30-pound salmon also makes Mel’s list of achievements, Anne adds with a laugh. “Sometimes Mel would go up to Bella Coola with a group of family and friends, while I held down the fort.”

Holding down the fort was no small task. Mel and Anne owned a successful electrical company in Kelowna and after they retired, spent the next 24 years running a cattle ranch in the Shuswap.

It was after Mel’s diagnosis of dementia the couple decided to leave the ranch and move to Kamloops to be closer to family and medical resources.

When Mel first started showing symptoms of memory loss, his doctor immediately referred him to the UBC Centre for Brain Health in Vancouver. By the time the Campbell's returned home, the UBC Centre had already sent Mel's referral to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. for support requesting that the couple register for Minds in Motion®, a fitness and social program for people in the early stages of dementia and a care partner.

“At the beginning, Mel was hesitant to talk about his diagnosis with anybody, even family and friends,” Anne says. “Now that we’re in the program he’s come to accept it, because we’re in a group of people who are in similar circumstances. It’s become much easier to talk about the disease and accept the changes.”

This turned out to be a pivotal factor in their dementia journey. The program has enabled Mel and Anne to meet people, build a support network and feel welcomed in their new community.

“Mel’s social,” Anne says. “He has a positive personality and he hasn’t lost this trait.”

Whether running a business, working together on the ranch, raising their family or navigating new challenges that come along with dementia, their approach to life keeps the Campbell's positive. “My objective is to have patience and understanding with Mel,” Anne says. “If you have acceptance and positivity, you’ll do well.”

Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, the reward for Mel, Anne and so many others on the dementia journey is being part of communities where they’re welcomed and supported to live well. 

Join Anne and Mel this May for the Kamloops IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's. Together, we make memories matter.