The journey of living with Alzheimer's is often a matter of putting one foot in front of the other.
And people can do just that in support of critical research to change the future of the disease.
Vernon is one of 19 communities taking part in the Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s Walk for Alzheimer's fundraiser on Sunday, May 25.
This year's walk honours the caregivers who tirelessly support people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
There are currently over 50,000 caregivers across B.C., providing an estimated 67.9 million hours of unpaid support. While helping someone living with dementia can bring joy, connection and fulfillment, caregivers also face an increased likelihood of depression, emotional stress and financial problems. The ability to access education, information and to be a part of a supportive community of people who understand the dementia journey is critical for caregivers' well-being.
For Pierrette Edgar, connecting with the Alzheimer Society gave her the strength to move forward after her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
乌鸦传媒淭he doctor must have seen the look on my face when we found out,乌鸦传媒� Edgar said. 乌鸦传媒淗e referred us to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and that乌鸦传媒檚 what saved me.乌鸦传媒澪谘淮蒋乌鸦传媒�
The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's, presented by Go Auto, is the society's biggest fundraising event. It will see people across the province walk together on May 25 to honour and remember people affected by dementia.
Funds raised through the walk are instrumental in helping the society deliver vital programs and services, while enabling important research into the disease.
Each walk is dedicated to an honouree 乌鸦传媒� an individual or group affected by dementia, or someone who has contributed to the lives of people living with the disease. This year, caregivers are being honoured at the Vernon walk for their contribution to the community and their commitment to helping people affected by dementia.
乌鸦传媒淢any caregivers have shared with me that our programs and services helped connect them to a community of care where they felt supported, included and validated,乌鸦传媒� said Danielle Bywater, a support and education coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. 乌鸦传媒淐reating relationships and supporting caregivers from diagnosis through to the end-of-life stage of dementia gives care partners a safe space to discuss complex feelings and they know we are just a phone call away should they need guidance, support or simply an understanding ear.乌鸦传媒澪谘淮蒋
Michael Hladun, senior vice president for Go Auto, said caregivers deserve to have access to support that meets their needs, which is why Go Auto stepped up to be the provincial sponsor for the event.
乌鸦传媒淚t乌鸦传媒檚 incredibly important for people across the province to understand the impact that dementia has on their communities, but also, how they can help," Hladun said.
The Vernon walk will take place at Ellison Elementary School (2400 Fulton Road) at 12 p.m. May 25, with registration at 11 a.m. Email abansal@alzheimerbc.org or ecucheran@alzheimerbc.org for more information.
Those unable to take part in the official walk are invited to show their support by walking in their own unique way, wherever and whenever is convenient, any day during the month of May. Or, plan a small event on a date or location of your choosing, whether it's a walk through your neighbourhood with family or a stroll outside the office with colleagues.
