For the fourth year in a row, Lousie Milligan will be one of hundreds of people taking part in the Walk For Alzheimer's. This year, however, she will do it as a member of the honouree family.
Milligan has relied on the support of the Alzhiemer Society London and Middlesex since her husband, Gordon McDonald, was diagnosed with Alzhiemer's disease in 2010. At the time of his diagnosis, McDonald was a 64-year-old biology professor at the University of Guelph with more than 200 papers published.
"After he was diagnosed it took a little while for us to realize that this was a true diagnosis and that, that was our reality," says Milligan. "It was somewhat overwhelming to say the least for both of us."
In what Milligan describes as her first verbal admission of her husband's disease, she called the Alzheimer Society.
"The social worker there helped me understand what the challenges will be, linked us up to the First Link Learning Series, which is an ongoing learning series the Alzheimer Society runs to help those caring for those with dementia and those in the early stages of the disease. It helps them understand what it's about, how it will progress, and what kind of supports are out there in the community," says Milligan.
The society also connected Milligan with other people caring for those with dementia through an informal drop in group which meets once a month.
"It's a great sense of community and reassuring that you're not alone in this journey," says Milligan. "It's run by a social worker who helps us stay on track and recognize what we're feeling and helps us try to see the perspective of the individual with dementia."
In being named honouree family, Milligan will share her family's story at the 22nd annual Walk For Alzheimer's on Saturday in Springbank Gardens.
Last year, more than 1,000 people took part, raising a record $184,000 for the society.
"It's a significant fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society and it covers a lot of the costs associated with supporting the activities they do," says Milligan. "As a client of the Alzheimer Society, I don't have to pay for their services which is huge because many people would find that a barrier if they had to pay for these services."
Milligan hopes by sharing her story and supporting the walk she can increase awareness about the society and help the newly diagnosed get the assistance they need quicker.
"Without the skills and knowledge that I've gained through my interactions with the Alzheimer Society I'm sure I would have went completely off the rails," says Milligan.
More information about the Alzheimer Society and the Walk For Alzheimer's can be found at www.alzheimerlondon.ca.
