The Penticton Alzheimer Fundraiser walk on Sept. 28 raised $165 for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
Organizer Jennifer Stickney said the cold, wet weather put a bit of a damper on the walk with only four people showing up. But fun was had by all, she added.
READ MORE: Rain or shine the Penticton Alzheimer Fundraiser Walk kicks off this Saturday
Stickney is also holding a bake sale on Oct. 19 at the Cherry Lane Shopping Cenre, which will run form 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stickney said the public is invited to donate baked goods. Anyone planning to donate a baked item are asked to bring it to the sale in the morning and mark if there are any possible allergens residents should be aware of or if it’s done for a specific diet such as vegan or gluten-free.
An estimated 70,000 individuals and families live with the disease, according to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. The Society supports research directed at finding the cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Each year, a portion of the money raised goes to research being conducted in the province, the website states.
READ MORE: Penticton couple to be honoured at Alzheimer walk
“I’ve got three grandparents and one great grandparent who has Alzheimer or dementia,” Stickney added. “To watch them deteriorate slowly, it’s tough. It really pulls at the heartstrings. It doesn’t have an age, it doesn’t have a gender it just picks on everyone and everybody who is vulnerable. I know watching my one granddad he was working at our family cabin one year, a few years later, he’s gone. It’s tough.”
Stickney added the disease affects everyone.
“When it hits someone, it’s hard on the person because they don’t know who is around them but it’s also hard on the family because they are seeing someone they love and care about deteriorate.”
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