Alzheimer’s walk set for Saturday

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on May 23, 2024.

Submitted photo - Taylor Slomp and Colleen Beck with the Alberta and Northwest Territories Alzheimer's Society Lethbridge office will be hosting their second annual Walk for Alzheimer's on Saturday at Nicholas Sheran Park.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The Alberta and Northwest Territories Alzheimer Society is hosting its annual Walk for Alzheimer’s on Saturday at Nicholas Sheran Park.

The walk will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and those who wish to attend are asked to registered free of charge in advance. Deadline for registration is Friday at noon.

Taylor Slomp, navigator, Client Services for the Lethbridge office of the Alberta and Northwest Territories Alzheimer Society, said this is the second year the current local staff are hosting the walk. The walk itself has been taking place for many years.

“The main point of the walk is to raise funds to support programs and services in the community to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and their families,” said Slomp.

She said it will be beneficial for people living with dementia, their care partners and their families to come and learn, create awareness about dementia in the community, as well as to create a sense of community within either people caring for someone living with dementia or for people living with dementia.

“The funds raised will go directly to the programs and services that we run here in the community. We have a staff of two people in the Lethbridge office and the funds raised support the programs that we run,” said Slomp.

She said that includes hosting individual and family meetings, hosting information sessions, support groups and connecting them with community services that benefit people living with dementia.

Those in attendance will be offered a free pizza lunch, they will be able to listen to speakers from the society and a family who will share stories about their dementia journey.

 “Last year we had close to 50 people taking part in the walk, they enjoyed live entertainment, conversation, reduction of stigma, it was a great way for people to see what we do. We are hoping for even more people to join us this year,” said Slomp.

According to the Alberta and Northwest Territories Alzheimer Society website With over 59,000 people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in Alberta and Northwest Territories, and no cure yet, the need to support people with dementia and their care partners has never been greater.

 The walk builds on the strength of thousands of community walks across the country, all raising funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Comments are closed.