As CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex County, I am constantly reminded of the impact of dementia on the person with the disease and the families who care for them and grieve when they pass away.

I was so pleased in 2006 when our Society decided to create a granite Monument of Memories in beautiful Jackson Park for our 25^th anniversary to remember all those in our community who have lived with dementia. We offered the opportunity to anyone in the community to have the names of friends and family engraved on the monument as a permanent memorial. We charge a fee for the engraving and funds raised from Monument of Memories stays in Windsor-Essex to support the current programs and services we offer to people living with dementia in our community.

The response has been incredible with the whole community rallying behind the effort. Local business, labour groups, media, former NHL player Ted Lindsay, whose sister had dementia,  and local families – all impacted by the disease – all contributed. Over 250 people attended our unveiling ceremony in 2008.

We do the engravings once a year and continue to have a demand for spots on the monument.

It’s important to remember and be remembered. While we don’t have a cure yet, the Monument of Memories allows us to remember those who have passed away, and look after people now living with dementia and their caregivers.

If you would like to have a name engraved on the Monument, visit our website.

Sally Bennett-Olczak

Chief Executive Officer

Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex