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Emma and Megan Byrne were two members of the Jaywalkers at the annual Walk for Alzheimer's. Photo by Dennis Chippa.
They call themselves the Jaywalkers.
The Pride family gathered for the annual Walk for Alzheimer’s at the waterfront Sunday to support the Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay and Districts Alzheimer Society.
Many of the Prides have J’s in their names, so it seemed like a good fit.
Most importantly, like many of the walkers, the Prides have a personal reason; their father Jim, who is living with the disease.
Jon Pride says the family was also walking to support their mom.
“It’s frustrating and trying at times, but we’re coping with it and dealing with it. It brings families closer together that’s for sure."
"Like our mom says it's such a waste of a beautiful mind."
His sister, Sara Byrne says while they did have fun, the event also brings out another emotion.
“It’s sad, because we know what our father used to be. And we see him right now, he’s still a great man and everything but it’s just hard for us because it’s just not the same papa or dad.”
They’re not alone.
Jacob Franz was walking with his family to support his grandmother, and his grandfather, who, like many spouses, has to deal with how the disease impacts their loved one.
Jacob Franz (on left) joins his family for a crossword puzzle before the walk.
“So we go and see her, sometime she’ll cry and then she’ll start punching my grandfather. Sometimes she sings if she’s happy to see us.”
The family stories are not foreign to those who work in the Alzheimer’s field.
Julia Tignanelli says the walk is always filled with emotion.
“For some families, for the families that are affected, it’s a tough journey to go through. People can live with this disease for a really long time. It takes a toll on the whole family. But that’s’ why we have today, so they all come together, they all come out, they all show their support for their loved one going through their disease.’
Tignanelli says the fundraising part of the walk involves money staying here to help families lke the Prides and the Franzs.
“Our support groups family counselling, art and music therapy, we have different fitness programs that are all about supporting the family and enhancing the quality of life for the person with the disease. That’s what the money goes into.”
Cathy Pride says the Jaywalkers also wanted to show their support for the Society.
“The local Alzheimer’s society has been very supportive of our family, and I know of other families. It’s appreciated, and we’re counting on them as other families are, to help us through this process, because we know it’s not over.”
The Jaywalkers also took advantage of the walk for another special memory.
Their father was able to participate this year, so they were able to at least walk this road with him.
