News Release
*******************
North Bay, Ontario – On June 7th more than 125 participants gathered at the North Bay Waterfront for the annual Walk for Alzheimer’s: Make Memories Matter, walking in support of the over 1500 people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia in North Bay and district.
This year’s Walk raised over $17,000—far exceeding its goal of $10,000 and more than doubling last year’s total. Dollars will go towards maintaining and expanding services like support groups, counseling, education, art and music therapy, and fitness programs.
“Age remains the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease,” says Julia Tignanelli, fund development coordinator for the North Bay Alzheimer Society. “As our population ages, the number of people diagnosed, and the demand for support services, continues to climb. At the Alzheimer Society we are committed to enhancing quality of life for the person diagnosed through essential programs, and also to providing families with the tools and support needed to make it through this difficult journey. Funds raised at the Walk will go a long way in helping us achieve this, and we are so grateful for the community’s support.”
Today, 747,000 Canadians are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, and this number will rise to 1.4 million by the year 2031. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for more years lived with a disability than heart disease, stroke, and all forms of cancer.
