鈥淣obody that you love is replaceable. But that one person that you share your life with?鈥� Linda Strobl鈥檚 words are punctuated by silence. It is emotional reflecting on nearly six decades with her husband, John, who has been living with dementia for eight years. It also stirs up memories of Linda鈥檚 mother, Linda鈥檚 first experience caring for someone living with dementia.
Following her mother鈥檚 death and John鈥檚 diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, Linda turned to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. for support and connected to nearby programs and services.
鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 have survived without the Society,鈥� Linda says. 鈥淵ou feel free to share stuff that you would never tell anyone. We鈥檙e allowed to say what we feel without guilt. Because guilt and secrecy 鈥� they don鈥檛 help anyone.鈥�
is among the more than 50,000 caregivers in British Columbia who provide an estimated 1.3 million hours per week of unpaid caregiving support to people living with dementia. This May, people across the province will have the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of people like Linda by raising funds for essential Alzheimer Society of B.C. programs and services.
Linda is being honoured at the Alzheimer Society of B.C.鈥檚 largest fundraiser, the , in Delta for her contribution to the community and her desire to share her story to help other people affected by dementia. Taking place in communities across the province, including Abbotsford, Chilliwack and 性视界传媒 on Sunday, May 26, proceeds from the event help provide critical supports for people affected by dementia while breaking down stigma surrounding the disease.
Along with the friends they have made through the Alzheimer Society of B.C., Linda and John have a wonderful family they lean on for support, all of whom are just as eager as Linda to participate in the Walk. 鈥淲hen I was asked to do this, I made up my mind,鈥� Linda says. 鈥淣o matter what, we鈥檒l be at the Walk on May 26!鈥�
To help make a difference in the lives of people like Linda on the dementia journey in your community, visit .
If you are affected by dementia, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. can help. Call the First Link庐 Dementia Helpline at