Walk for Memories
Fran Cline, centre, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease says she’s grateful for the love and support her daughter-in-law, Joy, left, and husband, Fred, give her every day. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago and the family has come together to help care for her.
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Updated: January 25, 2010 4:45 PM
Every five minutes, someone in Canada develops some form of dementia.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. hopes to stem the tide and raise money for treatments and a cure during the annual Investors Group Walk for Memories.
Nanaimo’s sixth annual walk is Sunday (Jan. 31) at Bowen Park, from 1-3 p.m. Registration begins at noon.
The walk is the society’s main fundraiser of the year.
“The walk literally brings us a few steps closer in the search into the causes and cures for dementia because it funds research,” said Jane Hope, the society’s regional education and support coordinator for north and central Vancouver Island.
Hope said the walk is also important to raise awareness and send the message that people aren’t alone and there are support systems for families affected by the disease.
Each year, the walk honours someone touched by Alzheimer’s. This year’s honouree is the late Donna Grais (née Wheatley).
Grais was born and raised in Nanaimo and gave support to others who needed it in the community over the years. During the last years of her life, her family gathered to offer her support she always gave so freely over her life.
Grais died last February.
For more information about the walk and family support offered by the Alzheimer’s Society, please call Jane Hope at 250-245-7939 or e-mail jhope@alzheimerbc.org. For information of to register for the Investors Group Walk for Memories please go to www.walkformemories.com.
