By Brennan Phillips
Special to the Western News
Many individuals facing the struggle with dementia don’t have to do it alone but for those who don’t have support, the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s seeks to bring change.
“Teams are so integral to the walk, and they bring a strong sense of community. Seeing people walk and fundraise to honour someone close to them who has been affected by dementia is so meaningful,” says Maribeth Friesen, the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s regional manager for the Northern and Interior Regions. “We invite anyone interested in participating in the walk to create their own team. It’s such a wonderful way to bring people in your life together, while helping to create a movement to show people on the dementia journey that they do not have to walk alone.“
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The walk is calling on residents of Penticton to participate and stand with those who are afflicted by dementia. Anyone can create a team and attend the fundraiser. Set-up is easy, simply go to walkforalzheimers.ca and follow the prompts. The Penticton walk will take place at Rotary Centennial Pavilion at 1 p.m on Sunday, May 6.
The walk will take place in 23 locations across the province and each walk is dedicated to an honouree – someone who has been affected by dementia, or who has valuably contributed to the lives of people living with the disease. The Penticton walk honours Sharon Stone, who pushes to live life to the fullest despite her own diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
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According to a recent survey, more than 50 per cent of the Canadians affected by dementia have felt stigmatized or discriminated against. The walk is a fun and family-friendly way to create a movement, while sending a message of inclusion and hope to the estimated 70,000 British Columbians currently living with dementia, and the people who care for them. Participants are encouraged to walk in honour, or memory of, someone in their lives who has faced dementia. Organizers suggest that one powerful way to do this is as a team.
The funds raised through the event will make a world of difference to people affected by dementia in Penticton. They will directly fund support, education and learning opportunities so people affected by dementia can live their best lives possible. Funds will also help enable research into the causes of and the cure for the disease.
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For more information, or to register visit walkforalzheimers.ca.