“Great things are done when men and mountains meet.” -William Blake

Lynn: We feel privileged to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro together as part of the 2014 Ascent for Alzheimer’s team in memory of my father Deach, my Grandma Rose, and Kevin’s Grandmother Violet, all of whom faced their own journeys with Alzheimer’s with strength and dignity.
My dad was a giving and genuine man, who loved nothing more than his family. He always supported his three daughters in any pursuit we set our sights on and I know he would be cheering me on every step of my climb.
Having been to Tanzaniza before and seeing the snow capped peak of Kilimanjaro out my plane window, I never imagined hiking it but with the encouragement and support of Kevin, my family and friends, and the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C., I know that taking on this challenge will be one of the most rewarding of my life.
The physical challenge is only part of what we are taking on – raising awareness of the disease and raising funds for the vital services of the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C. will be at the core of what we do. My dad was an active member of the Society’s Board and believed deeply in the cause, unknowing that he too would face the disease, and that the Society would provide much needed support and education to his own family. The Society was invaluable in helping our family cope with my father’s illness.

Kevin: The moment my wife-to-be walked down the aisle on our wedding day on the arm of one of her best friends instead of her father, Alzheimer’s impacted my life. Lynn lost her dad Deach to the disease just 15 months earlier and only two months before we first met. Alzheimer’s took away my opportunity to thank him for raising such an amazing daughter so it is very fitting that as we celebrate our third wedding anniversary we will be taking on Mount Kilimanjaro together.
Climbing Kilimanjaro gives us the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and to honour the caregivers who maintain the dignity of those living with the disease every day. Each step of our hike will remind us how it is for those with Alzheimer’s climbing their own mountains, not knowing their way, but putting one foot in front of the other. The Ascent for Alzheimer’s also gives us an opportunity to be part of something much bigger than ourselves, a greater purpose…

When you’re inspired by some great purpose,
Some extraordinary project,
All of your thoughts break their bonds;
Your mind transcends limitations; your consciousness expands in every direction,
And you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world.
Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive,
And you discover yourself to be a greater person by far
Than you ever dreamed yourself to be.
- Patanjali

100 per cent of all funds we raise go directly to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.for education, support services, advocacy and research in the fight against the disease.

Thank you for your generous support!