On the day she was diagnosed June 2019, a lifelong lover of art, mom was delighted to find an extraordinary piece of artwork by renowned artist Alex Javier tucked away in the corner by the stairs on the 12th floor of the Stroke Unit at Foothills hospital right after she met with her neurologist.

I’ll never forget her joy in that moment after what was (for me) a very hard medical appointment to hear her prognosis. As soon as she walked out of the door from the office, she had forgotten what happened and all she wanted to do was take a picture of herself with the art because it matched her jacket.

That moment would be a hallmark of what I keep getting pulled back to over the last seven-year journey. Despite the cruelty of her dementia, of the losing her over and over and over again every time I see her, she is truly living in the moment and reminding us to all finding joy right where we are in the here and now, that is truly all there is.

So back to this little ask. So I used to run a lot. Like long distances up and down mountains for hours on end. But life had some other plans for me this last 10 years and as I’ve been taking baby steps towards finding the runner in me again when I saw a banner advertising for this year‘s Alzheimer Calgary’s run/walk, I thought why not. Mom would be proud. 

I will forever be grateful for the classes and resources and learning that I took in those early days through the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary. They helped me find a way through.

By cheering me on, you’re also championing Alzheimer Calgary’s vital work, providing resources, education, and support to those who need it most.

Every step we take together shows that no one has to face a diagnosis alone. We’re proving that there’s strength in community and hope in action.

Thank you for being part of this meaningful journey!

xo

jo