Chuck and Michele Liebrock have never shied away from a challenge. In their 52 years together since they first fell in “Lust at first sight” at a dinner party, they’ve supported each other through raising three children, changing careers – including Chuck’s time playing professional football with the CFL – as well as weathering injuries and losses.
Now, they’re learning to navigate life after a dementia diagnosis.
Chuck and Michele Liebrock are being honoured at the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s biggest fundraiser, the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, presented by Go Auto, in Kelowna on Sunday, May 25. By sharing their stories, honourees put a face and voice to dementia, breaking down stigma and inspiring change. You can walk in honour of your community’s honouree or in support of someone in your life who has been affected by dementia. Funds raised help the organization deliver vital programs and services and enable critical research to change the future of the disease.
“At first, we kept things very quiet – we didn’t even want to tell our kids,” Michele says. “But the diagnosis put a name to what and how we could move together as a family and they were, and continue to be, incredibly supportive. Personally, I think they saw it coming.”
Michele and Chuck had been referred to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and in addition to participating in education workshops, they began attending support groups for people in the early stages of the disease and for caregivers.
“Getting a dementia diagnosis is frightening – but you can’t get support if you don’t talk about it,” Michele says. “It’s why the Walk is so important. It provides an opportunity for communities to support people affected by the disease. It’s a way of saying, ‘I’m doing this for you and you’re doing this for me.’”
Lots has changed since the diagnosis and the pair have had to let go of some of their retirement dreams. Chuck loved to ski, hike and hunt and they used to spend long days in the garden together. Still, they’ve found ways to adapt. Chuck lifts weights at the gym three or four days a week and “coaches” Michele in the garden, taking pleasure in telling her where things should go. Michele has been surprised to find joy in learning how to do some of the tasks that used to be reserved for her husband.
“People like Chuck and Michele Liebrock deserve to have access to meaningful dementia support that meets their needs, which is why Go Auto is so thrilled to be continuing to be provincial presenting sponsor for the Walk,” says Michael Hladun, Senior Vice President for Go Auto. “It’s incredibly important for people across the province to understand the impact that dementia has on their communities – but also, how they can help.”
To help make a difference in the lives of people like Chuck and Michele Liebrock on the dementia journey in your community, visit WalkForAlzheimers.ca.
If you are affected by dementia, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. can help. Call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 or visit alzheimerbc.org.