Fatma knows firsthand how Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can rob someone of their identity and life. Her father died of dementia at the age of 92 in 2004 and now, her mother has Alzheimer’s.  When her parents were diagnosed, Fatma turned to her local Alzheimer Society for support.

“The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County was my life line.  My mother’s diagnosis came at a time when I was at cross roads.  I was paralyzed with fear and confusion.  Mom was my rock, but now she’s facing the same insidious journey as my dad. Fortunately, I ran into a friend who happened to work at the Society.  When she heard my story and saw my distress, she immediately connected me with a young lady who managed the learning program at the Society.  She took the time to describe all of the services available to me as a caregiver.…My journey with mom’s Alzheimer’s is the hardest I faced, but the knowledge I gained from attending the Society’s workshops has helped me  to develop a long-term plan for her care and make the right decisions at the right time.”

Fatma now gives back to her local Society. She has been participating in their Walk for Memories for 2 years. Fatma not only walks for her mother, but for others like her, their caregivers and family members.

“In my younger days, hearing about the plight of families living with Alzheimer’s, I used to think this will never happen to my family.  Now that I’m older, I’ve been proven wrong!  Both my parents suffered some form of dementia. Alzheimer’s does not discriminate; it cuts across all walks of life.  Young people in particular should participate in the walk to help raise awareness of and funds for  Alzheimer Society programs that have been a life line to people like me. One day they will face it and will need the Society’s support.  The facts about the disease and its current and projected statistics speak for themselves.  If 1 in 11 baby boomers will develop this disease, the likelihood is very high that you’ll either be diagnosed or be a caregiver to someone with the disease in your lifetime.”  

Fatma participates in the Walk for Memories and every step she takes makes a difference. Everyone walks for a reason; we all have a reason to care. Help make a difference for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Register today or sponsor a walker at: www.walkformemories.ca

-Audra Rusinas
Development Officer
Alzheimer Society of Ontario