On May 1 thousands of Canadians, including people in the Cowichan Valley and Ladysmith, will ‘Make Memories Matter’ by participating in a Virtual Walk for Alzheimer’s.
“As many Ladysmith families know, dementia doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed,” says an Alzheimer’s Society release promoting the event.
“Caregivers, family members and friends are also impacted, and caregiving is often required 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. It’s a hugely challenging responsibility”
Ladysmith caregivers will be among the honorees for the Investors Group Virtual Walk for Alzheimer’s, the release says, adding that the virtual, province-wide walk allows residents to get involved online.
“Caregiving affects people emotionally and physically. It requires determination, empathy and kindness,” the release states.
“And caregivers require support for everything from assisting with legal and financial decisions to helping with everyday tasks. The journey of dementia can’t be made alone.”
Individuals and teams from Ladysmith are invited to join the Virtual Walk. Funds raised support programs and services in the community that will:
• improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and for their families;
• support other activities like education and public awareness.
Walk for Alzheimer’s is Canada’s biggest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Approximately 747,000 Canadians have the disease, with 70,000 of them living in British Columbia.
That number will nearly double in the next 20 years, as age is the biggest risk factor and people are living longer.
Residents who are interested in starting a Walk in the community next year can contact Daphne Tsai at dtsai@alzheimerbc.org for more information.
A Cowichan Valley Walk is planned. For details go to support.alzheimer.ca, click on British Columbia in the Province selection box, then on Cowichan Valley in the Select City box.
For more information on local resources to help families live well with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, visit www.alzheimerbc.org.