COMMUNITY – Annual Walk for Alzheimer’s set for Sunday, May 6

On Sunday, May 6, thousands of people – parents, grandparents, kids, grand kids and family and friends – will gather across B.C. to help raise awareness and funds to support people affected by dementia at the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s. You can join them at the Kamloops Walk, taking place at Tournament Capital Centre indoor and outdoor tracks at 9 a.m.

The Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s is Canada’s biggest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The event takes place in over 20 communities across the province.

Each event is dedicated to an honouree – an individual or group affected by dementia, or who has invaluably contributed to the lives of people living with the disease. At the Kamloops Walk, Louise Wiens, who is living with dementia, will be honoured.

Louise still plays piano and organ, leads her church choir and prepares meals for large numbers of people at church events. “And all this with a smile,” says her husband John, whom she married after her children were adults. “I admire and love her.”

“Our community honourees are such an integral part of our Walk,” said Angie Kok of the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

“With 55 per cent of Canadians saying they would not share a dementia diagnosis with their friends, our honourees’ grace and courage in sharing their story helps us reduce the stigma associated with the disease.

“Honourees also let other people on the dementia journey know they are not alone,” said Kok.

Funds raised will connect British Columbians affected by dementia with local support and education, and help enable research into the causes of and the cure for the disease.