Beaver Staff
Currently, more than 4,000 people in Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox and Addington are living with some form of dementia and that figure is expected to more than double in just over a decade.
With that in mind, the region’s chapter of the Alzheimer Society is attempting to expand its abilities to provide support and information for those diagnosed, their families, and friends. One way it can do that is by boosting fundraising through the annual Walk for Alzheimer’s. On May 26, the society will host its inaugural Lennox and Addington walk at Conservation Park.
“Our programs and services extend throughout Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox and Addington, so it makes sense to extend our activities to areas where people an better access them and feel more included in them,” said Leslie Kimble, the fundraising co-ordinator for the Alzheimer Society of KFL&A.
Among those people preparing to walk later this month are Napanee residents Penny McPherson and Shelley Alkenbrack, who will walk in memory of their father, Ken Smith, who lived with Alzheimer’s for about 10 years before he passed away and their mother Joyce, who was his main caregiver.
Their team, Ken’s Kin, will include their siblings and 22 of Smith’s grandchildren. All of the participants were involved in Smith’s care over the decade he was living with dementia.
In a press release, Alkenbrack said the society’s help was valued.
“The support and information offered by the staff of the society was invaluable to us all. It helped us to understand dementia and helped us to better support both Mom and Dad on the dementia journey as well.”
While there is no known cure for dementia, the society offers educational resources for people with dementia and caregivers, information about early warning signs, safety, and community resources, music therapy, and a drop-in respite centre. Through communication and increasing awareness, it also helps reduce stigma, which is a concern for many people impacted by dementia.
Kimbell said the goal for the first Napanee walk is $10,000, though based on early returns she wouldn’t be surprised to surpass that. Businesses and residents have responded enthusiastically to sponsorship and participation requests. The walk begins May 26 at 10 a.m. with registration at 9. There will be live entertainment, activities, prizes, and refreshments. Those who cannot attend in Napanee may wish to attend the Kingston walk the following morning at Lake Ontario Park.
To register online, walkers can visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca. Prospective walkers can also call 613-544-3078 or visit Greater Napanee’s economic development office in Market Square to pick up a pledge form.
Alzheimer Society of KFL&A executive director Vicki Poffley said Lennox and Addington County residents will see direct benefits from the funds raised at the walk through service enhancements.
“We are pleased to announce that in the coming weeks, part-time offices for the Alzheimer Society will open in Napanee, Northbrook, and Sharbot Lake. The funds raised by the Walk for Alzheimer’s will go a long way to providing new and enhanced programming to clients in Napanee and the rural areas.”