Welcome to Cindy McKenna's Participant Page!
Thank you for supporting me in raising awareness and funds that will make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia, their caregivers and families.
I’m participating in the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in Charlottetown on May 25, 2024 to help raise money on behalf of the Alzheimer Society, so they can meet the growing demand for programs and services. These and other resources make all the difference in the way that people affected by dementia are able to manage the disease and live life to the fullest.
My mom, Ann Mitchell, started experiencing signs of dementia in 2022. To be honest, I don't even remember the exact timing as it was so gradual and it's all a bit of a blur. She is a widow and I am her only child and main source of support. It was very challenging for me to comprehend what was going on with her...was she just playing me with these crazy stories and repeated questions? It was such a mental challenge. I would sometimes receive up to 40 or more calls a day from her until I learned to block and screen the calls. I took her to the doctor and he did the preliminary test for dementia which indicated that she did have dementia. I'll never forget leaving that doctor's appointment when she thanked me for noticing those things and caring enough to take her to get tested. She was later diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's.
My world was obsessed with her illness. It was like the constant black cloud over my head. My husband suggested I contact the Alzheimer's Society. I thought they'd throw me a few pamphlets and that would be it.
I made the call and they have been beside me ever since on this journey. Laura MacWilliams was so helpful and compassionate on that call. It made all the difference for me. I started attending the support groups which really helped me connect with other experiencing the same thing. I have a lot of people in my life who support me, but I knew they all felt helpless in supporting me in this as they didn't know what to do. Just being with those in a similar situation made all the difference. We all had basically the same stories, but the players were different.
I also took a three session learning series with Jaclyn Gallant. It was so informative at breaking down what this disease was all about and how to cope and live with loved ones experiencing it. Jaclyn presented the information and facilitated the sessions with such warmth and knowledge. You knew she genuinely cared about what you were experiencing.
One of the most impressive things with my experience with the Alzheimer's Society was an "out-of-the-blue" call one day from Laura to check in to see how I was doing. That meant the absolute world to me.
It is because of these things that I really felt I needed to give back to this cause. If you are experiencing dementia/Alzheimer's in your life, I highly recommend reaching out. I've never met a more loving group of individuals.
With the stress of this journey with my Mom, I know my own mental health took a hit as well. I also felt that choosing to participate with this Walk for Alzheimer's would be the incentive I needed to get moving again in a healthier direction.
My mom is now living in a long term care facility and getting the proper care she needs which is a huge relief for me after our traumatic journey through the health care system to get that care.
Thank you for whatever donation you can make. No matter how small or big, you are making a difference in the lives of people affected by dementia. Select the button on the right to Donate Now!
Thank you again for your generous commitment and support.
Cindy McKenna for Ann Mitchell
Cindy McKenna
For more information on the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's or to register for a Walk nearest you, please visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca.
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