Walking for awareness
Walk for Alzheimer’s raises more than $40,000 during annual event in Sydney
Laura Marsh and her family still remember the day their mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease
It was difficult news to hear that a loved one would be faced with such a challenge, but as a family they were able to get through the journey together.
“It was very difficult because at the time she couldn’t remember who we were,” said Marsh, a Sydney Mines resident. “The one thing she didn’t forget was how to play 45s (card game) — she would beat me every time.”
Marsh and her family first became concerned for their mother when they noticed her losing memory, along with forgetting and repeating things. She was later diagnosed with the disease.
“My brother lived with her at the time, so we were lucky that way because he was with her,” said Carol Wall, Marsh’s sister.
“We went to lots of meetings to learn more about it and it does help, it’s a good way to learn and to know that you’re not the only person dealing with it.”
The family received tragic news in 2004 when their mother, Lillian, died after accidently setting her house on fire.
The annual Walk for Alzheimer’s was held Sunday afternoon in Sydney with more than 200 participants taking part.
The five-kilometre walk began at Centre 200 and travelled along George and Dorchester streets before walking from the Esplanade to Wentworth Park and back.
The event raised more than $40,000 which will stay in Cape Breton and help support local programs and services that improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their families, along with supporting other activities such as education and awareness.
“We’ve been participating in this walk from the beginning,” said Marsh, who along with her family were wearing special
purple T-Shirts in memory of their mother and sister, who have since died.
Sarah Lyon, director of philanthropy at the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, said along with the fundraising aspect, the goal of the event is to let people know they’re not alone when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease.
“When you look around this room there are people who are currently on the dementia journey and there are people who have had people die who were on the dementia journey,” she said.
“This disease is very isolating and when we come together we’re showing that as a community we support people with this disease and ideally we want our communities to be friendly for seniors, but also for people living with dementia.”
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause for dementia. It’s a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain and it most often occurs in people over 65, however can also affect people in their 40s and 50s.
Warning signs of the disease include memory loss that affects day-to-day abilities, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language, and disorientation in time and space. Other signs are impaired judgement, changes in mood and behaviour as well as changes in personality and loss of initiative.
Alzheimer’s disease is currently incurable, however medications, support and early care in the disease can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Today, an estimated 17,000 people live with dementia in Nova Scotia.
Each year, more than 250 walks take place in communities across the country to raise money for the disease. Last year, more than 25,000 walkers participated in Canada, raising more than $4.9 million.
“The walk is definitely growing here in Sydney and that’s one of the things that we’re seeing,” said Lyon. “Unfortunately, that’s because the disease is growing and as people become more informed about what dementia is, they want to help, and more people are coming forward.
“Generations ago this wasn’t a disease that was talked about, so children didn’t really know much about it, but we’re seeing a lot of young ones who come because they want to support their grandparent and their parents who are also caregivers.”
The Sydney event was one of 13 walks taking place across the province on Sunday, nine of those were independently run.
“It’s a worthwhile cause,” said Marsh, noting her family raised more than $1,000 for the event and hasn’t missed a walk since the fundraiser began in 2006 in Sydney.
“Every dollar counts and hopefully one day with research they will find a cure for this disease.”
Marsh and her family are already looking forward to next year’s event and encourage more people to participate.
“I encourage anybody who knows anybody with Alzheimer’s to help them in any way they can and get out and walk and make your donation.”
Donations are still being accepted for the Sydney walk. Those wanting to donate are asked to visit www.alzheimer.ca.