Home / Health / Calgary Braved Snow for Alzheimer's Cause
Calgary Braved Snow for Alzheimer's Cause
12 Oct
Summary
- Over 1,200 participated in the 35th annual walk and run.
- Event raised over $220,000 for Alzheimer Calgary support.
- An estimated 20,000 Calgarians currently have Alzheimer's or dementia.
Despite facing a snowy morning, approximately 1,200 Calgarians gathered for the 35th annual Alzheimer Calgary Walk and Run. This significant turnout demonstrates the community's commitment to supporting Alzheimer's and dementia initiatives.
The event, held at Prince's Island Park and surrounding downtown areas, successfully generated over $220,000. These crucial funds will directly bolster Alzheimer Calgary's essential support services, including dementia navigation for families and educational programs.
Alzheimer Calgary's executive director noted that an estimated 20,000 individuals in Calgary are currently affected by Alzheimer's or dementia. This figure is anticipated to double within the next ten years, underscoring the growing need for support.
Many participants, like the family of the late Peter Maher, former voice of the Calgary Flames and advocate for Alzheimer Calgary, shared personal stories. His granddaughter emphasized the importance of remembering the person behind the disease.
Rachael McIntosh, the Walk and Run ambassador, spoke about how Alzheimer Calgary provided essential resources and community for her as she navigated her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis from afar, highlighting the organization's role in offering support and understanding.
