My name is Jeff Campbell, and I work as a Hearing Instrument Professional with Connect Hearing in Nanaimo, B.C. I will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in September 2015 with the Team for the Ascent for Alzheimer’s.

I first became personally aware of the impact of Alzheimer’s disease early in my career in the hearing industry. I have built many relationships and friendships not only with my clients, but also with their family members and friends who bring them to see me at the clinic. We greet each other by first names and with a friendly “hello there”, and over time relationships and friendships develop. Unfortunately, I have seen several of my clients with Alzheimer’s disease take a turn for the worse, and have seen the progression of the disease gradually steal their memories and abilities. The toll it takes on them and their loved ones is catastrophic.

It was difficult to stand idle while seeing the disease become more common, affecting people at earlier ages. I want to help in any way I can, which is why I decided to take part in the Ascent for Alzheimer’s.

I’m proud to represent Connect Hearing in this challenge! I plan to talk to my colleagues about it, collecting their stories and gaining support for the cause. Our goal is to make a positive contribution and see a cure within our lifetimes.