It's nearly time once again to raise awareness about tens of thousands of individuals in B.C. living with a devastating disease by getting out there in White Rock for an annual walk.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is returning to White Rock's waterfront to make up the Surrey and White Rock community's event.
“It is estimated that more than 85,000 British Columbians are living with dementia and that number continues to grow,” chief development officer of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Cathryn France said in a press release.
“People need our support more than ever. The walk is more than a fundraiser – it’s a lifeline. The funds raised help deliver vital programs and services in communities across the province while also driving critical research to change the future of dementia.”
On May 25, individuals from across 19 different areas of B.C. will get out there and walk in the fundraiser to support people living with dementia and care takers.
Two out of three people in the province are affected by the disease, according to the organization, emphasizing the importance of it.
Each year, a different person is highlighted for the walk in each community and this year for Surrey and White Rock, it's Ian Stewart who is a caregiver in the community.
Both of Stewart's parents had dementia, with the honouree having lost his father in 2018 and moving in with his mother to provide her care not long after.
“She has a normal life. She has a friend in the building who will call her up to go on walks,”Stewart said on the Walk's website.
“When she attends the day program, she gets herself ready and catches the HandyDART. She has agency.”
Stewart is also part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and has found support for himself while taking care of his loved ones.
“Whether Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer – whatever a group member’s situation — I find it a huge support to hear from other people whose loved ones are living with dementia and what strategies work for them,” Stewart said.
The walk will begin at Memorial Park in White Rock on Sunday, May 25 at about 10:30 a.m. with registration beginning one hour prior.
