For Dave Dearborn, supporting people living with dementia can be as simple as taking a walk and talking about the houses along the way.
He remembers outings with his mother-in-law, Winnie McIvor, when they would stop to look at homes and ask each other what they liked about them and whether they would want to live there.
Those conversations helped them stay connected as her interests and abilities changed.
“I wish you would understand that there’s still a person there that you can cherish and recognize, and that you can do things with them and find what inspires them now with their change,” Dearborn said.
Dearborn and his wife, Judy, marked 25 years of participating in the Alzheimer Calgary Walk and Run on Oct. 11. Their Thanksgiving Sunday tradition honours Judy’s mother and six other maternal relatives.
The event at Prince’s Island Park brought together walkers, runners, and supporters to raise money for local dementia programs and services.
Supporting families close to home
Jill Petrovic, communications strategic lead at Alzheimer Calgary, said the event builds awareness while raising money to help families access support.
“It is our biggest fundraiser of the year for Alzheimer Calgary,” Petrovic said.
The funding helps the organization respond when families receive a diagnosis, need help navigating the health-care system or seek emotional support and education.
Dearborn said caregivers and family members also need support as they adapt to changes in someone they love.
Activities such as music, art, storytelling, and puzzles can help maintain relationships and keep people engaged in their communities.
Going the extra distance
When the pandemic moved the event online, Judy challenged Dearborn to run farther. He completed a marathon and has continued dedicating long-distance runs to McIvor.
This year, he took on the 50-kilometre Lost Soul Ultra Marathon in Lethbridge as part of his fundraising campaign.
As his distances increased, his supporters increased their contributions. Dearborn said they collectively donated more than $7,000 last year.
He and Judy continue recommending Alzheimer Calgary to others seeking help, saying the feedback has reinforced the value of its services.
Challenging stigma around dementia
Petrovic said stigma can discourage people from seeking a diagnosis and affect their relationships afterward.
Through Alzheimer Calgary’s StillMe movement, the organization is working to challenge stereotypes and encourage people to see someone living with dementia as more than their disease.
“We see that all the time, that people with dementia are out there living their lives,” she said. “They’re making the most of their time.”
Petrovic hopes participants leave with less fear and greater openness to staying connected with people affected by dementia.
“You’re not defined by your diagnosis,” she said.
