THUNDER BAY -- Cherie Kok knows the effects of Alzheimer’s disease impact entire families.
Her mother was first diagnosed with the disorder seven years ago and that’s when she turned to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay for help. Now, with her father also suffering from dementia, she feels it is important to speak out.
“It’s a challenging disease to be faced with,” she said.
“It’s a disease that hits you emotionally, financially and in so many realms of your life.”
More than 200 people turned out to the Intercity Shopping Centre on Sunday morning for the society’s 21st annual Walk for Memories.
The walk is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year and had raised more than $45,000 by the afternoon.
Seeing such a large turnout is a reminder of the vast network of support that exists in the community and that people dealing with Alzheimer’s are not alone.
“It’s so wonderful to see people join forces. I feel really supported by seeing this,” Kok said.
The funds raised allow those to offer supports to those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia such as training to manage the disease and for families, as well as training for those working with patients.
There are more than 2,600 people living in the Thunder Bay District with dementia, a number that increases every year.
The disease has hit the family of Jaclyn Walter, the society’s board of directors’ vice president, who has lost both of her grandmothers from Alzheimer’s.
She has seen the public perception of the disease shift as awareness increases.
“I have noticed in the last few years that people do know a lot more about Alzheimer’s disease and I’ve noticed the stigma is decreasing,” Walter said. “People do have a better awareness of it.”
Donations are still being accepted online and more information about the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay can be found on their website.
