THUNDER BAY - Saturday marked a special day for the Paajanen family.
Not only were they named the honorary family to be at the front of the line in this year’s Alzheimer’s Walk, but it was the parents - Bob and Bonnie's - 56th wedding anniversary.
The “public school sweethearts,” as Bonnie called it in her emotional speech, have had their share of adversity. Bonnie overcame her cancer diagnosis 13 years ago, and her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six years ago.
“The progression has increased in severity over the last six months,” said his daughter, Debbie Prete.
On Saturday at the Marina Park, Bob and Bonnie were joined by their children, Debbie, Billy, and Bob Jr., and other family members to lead the 25th annual Alzheimer's walk.
“The community is very supportive,” Debbie said. “It’s always nice to see there’s all these resources they can go to and have outlets for having fun.”
The Alzheimer’s Society’s raised over $70,000 on Saturday, exceeding their goal by over $10,000.
All money raised on Saturday’s walk stays within the community, and helps fund programs such as individual and family counselling, discussion groups, art programs, and education for the public, students, and front-line workers.
“All of our fundraising dollars stay here in our community,” said Jaclyn Woods, marketing and events coordinator for Alzheimer’s Thunder Bay. “About 60 per cent of our funding comes from these events.”
Bob Paajanen Jr., who now lives in Toronto, commented on the community support which is unique to Thunder Bay.
“It’s great to come back to the city and see what this city is really all about. The community spirit is second-to-none to anywhere in Canada.”
Billy, who lives in Winnipeg, says the local support makes things easier.
“It kind of sucks that we’re far away, but knowing that we have my sister and her family. And having the Alzheimer’s Society as a whole really synergizes the help (my father) needs.”
As Bonnie said in her speech, Saturday was just one more day with her husband and family that she was grateful for.
“In his Finnish accent (Bob) always says, ‘Ta-geter forever,’” Bonnie said.
