Are you one of the two-thirds of British Columbians who have personally known someone living with dementia?
If you are living with dementia or know someone else who is, you can show your support for them by registering for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s. The fundraiser in support of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. takes place at the Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 5.
The event provides an opportunity to remember or honour people who have been touched by dementia, while fundraising to support those living with the disease today. Each of the 21 events across B.C. is dedicated to an honouree – an individual or group affected by dementia, or who has valuably contributed to the lives of people living with the disease.
This year the Burnaby and New Westminster Walk honours Leila Jamal and the New Westminster Seniors Specialized Clinic.
Like many children, Jamal knew what she wanted to be when she grew up, but unlike most other people her age, she had her heart set on serving seniors. Jamal had experienced needing physical help early in life, a challenge that fostered empathy and ultimately set the course of her career.
“I knew I wanted to be in this job since I was 12,” says Jamal, an occupational therapist with the New Westminster Specialized Seniors Clinic. “I had a significant hand injury at the time, which made me dependent on my mom for everything. In the same year I met my grandfather on my mom’s side and I just fell in love with him.”
Jamal evaluates function and safety within the home and makes recommendations to ensure safety and independence as long as possible. She also encourages families to access a range of community-based programs and services, including the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link® dementia support.
Funds raised at the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s help enable Alzheimer Society of B.C. support and education in Burnaby and help facilitate research into the causes of and the cure for the disease, so we can look towards a world without dementia.
For a limited time, people who fundraise in support of this event can make twice the difference. For every gift made online to the Walk in B.C. before April 14, an extremely generous donor has pledged to match donations up to a total of $100,000.
To double your impact and support people like Leila Jamalwho are on the dementia journey, register at walkforalzheimers.ca today.
QUICK FACTS
Burnaby/New West IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s
Date: Sunday, May 5
Location: Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion, 6871 Roberts Street
Registration time: 9:15 a.m.
Walk time: 10 a.m. to noon
Contact:Burnabywalkchair@alzheimerbc.org
