I remember when I was in high school, I always wanted to volunteer somewhere special. I’ve always loved being around the elderly, and since my own grandparents were halfway around the world, I really craved that grandparent bond. That’s why I decided to volunteer at Baycrest, a geriatric residential building that also specializes in healthcare, research, innovation, and education, with a special focus on brain health and aging.
When I was 16, my role as a volunteer was to spend time with some of the patients who had dementia. I clearly remember one of those women. I got to do her nails and speak to her. To be honest, it was really hard. She kept asking when her husband was going to show up and I had to tell her I didn’t know. Later on, I found out that he had passed away many years ago. I remember going home in tears that night. This is why I have the utmost respect and honor for the nurses and other healthcare practitioners who work and care for the people who reside at Baycrest.
My paternal grandmother had dementia and lived with it for 10 years. I remember how hard it was for my father to see her living with this disease. Especially since she was such a strong woman her entire life; working as a scientist in a lab (whose team was credited with discovering the benefits of vitamin B12) and she knew how to speak five different languages. I know how hard it is to have a loved one with dementia and we were so grateful for the care and support she received. My hope is that with continued research, we can fight to defeat dementia.
That’s why I’m excited to partner up with Baycrest and register as a participant for their upcoming A Walk For The Ages and help fundraise in support of the Baycrest Foundation. This family-friendly walk will take place on September 19, 2021 (with covid precautions in place) at Canada’s Wonderland. This inaugural event will bring generations together, challenging each other to fundraise and walk 2.5 or 5 km. All participants will receive complimentary parking and access to the park upon completion of the walk. My kids are excited to be doing this as a family, especially since it takes place in their favourite amusement park.
Funds raised from A Walk for the Ages will go towards Baycrest’s most urgent needs. Baycrest is home to more than 1,100 older adults who rely on specialized care, education, research, and innovations to help them live their best lives daily.
For more information and to register, please click HERE.
Disclosure: this post is sponsored by Baycrest Foundation. The opinions and stories expressed in this post are my own.