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Please Support Ben Creasser
Your support is truly appreciated
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Ben Creasser
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$16,273.05
[100
% of goal]
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$10,000.00
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Sep 25, 2014 9:00 AM
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Kilimanjaro
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My Message
The opportunity to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro with the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C.’s “2014 Ascent Team” is a huge honour and privilege for me. Even as a teenager I understood the devastating effects ofAlzheimer’s/dementia, not only on my Grandpa Lloyd who was eventually diagnosed with this disease, but also on my Grandma Shirley, as caregiver, and our entire family. In hindsight, we could agree that some of the symptoms had been there for a number of years, but the ability to recognize and confirm the diagnosis and know how to help was always a struggle. As a boy, all I could do was watch and see the once robust and loving man’s world diminish day by day; his interests and abilities declining. As an avid outdoorsman, living in the northern BC town of Quesnel, he was surrounded by the beautiful lakes and mountains of the Cariboo. He was fascinated with gold mining and we spent summers together fishing and exploring the outdoors. Some of my favourite childhood memories include feeding the squirrels in the back yard and chopping wood. Although he loved the outdoors, he loved his family even more. He worked hard and he was a steadfast in his love for us. Breakfast was always the most important meal of the day and hearing the bang and clash of the pots at 5 am was always a good sign that pancakes, bacon, ham, toast and eggs would be waiting on the table. Unfortunately the disease took its hold and he passed away in June of 2007. His passing has cemented my resolve to help in the efforts to find a cure and raise awareness for early detection, intervention and treatment. It is funny how some things touch your life so deeply and how often your path is directed towards others experiencing the same journey. Since my Grandpa Lloyd passed away, I have been surprised at the number of family, friends and acquaintances going through the exact same losses to this disease. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s/dementia has resurfaced in my extended family once again. Each step I take up Mt. Kilimanjaro will be symbolic of the guts and determination I know it takes to live each day with Alzheimer’s/dementia knocking on your door. Guts and determination not only for those diagnosed, but for families who are confused about the ever changing function, mood and behaviours. The climb, of course, will also be to honour my Grandpa Lloyd and support my family as we battle this disease once again. I am very fortunate to participate with the 2014 Ascent for Alzheimer’s team. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will be an emotional journey. As I take each step forward all persons affected by Alzheimer’s/dementia will be in my thoughts. I cannot think of a better way to lend my support and contribute to the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C. to carry on their important work. All funds raised will be donated to this cause.
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For more information about our event, please call or email Melanie Munroe at 604-742-4915 or 1-800-667-3742 or mmunroe@alzheimerbc.org For more information about the Alzheimer Society of B.C., go to www.alzheimerbc.org.
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