This year I have tackled a personal bucket-list goal, to train for and complete a marathon. I have been training during Vancouver's record breaking year of snowfall and am still 8 weeks and hundreds of kilometers of training away from the start line. However, this challenge pales in comparsion to the immense challenge of tackling Alzheimer's and the struggles one has to face every day. This marathon is about much more than my bucket list - I’m raising money in support of the Alzheimer Society B.C, and one very special individual in particular, my father. 

As many of you know, my dad, Peter, has been living with a rare form of Alzheimer's for over five years. Witnessing this disease in action has been a humbling, inspiring, frustrating and deeply saddening experience. Throughout the challenges this disease brings, Dad has maintained an amazingly positive attitude and compassion for others, always making a joke and ready for the next big-picture conversation.

Dad has always been my relentless supporter - spending countless cold evenings at the barn, coaching my softball teams, travelling to volleyball games all over the province, being the loudest one clapping at my graduations and the happiest man at the finish line for my half marathons. He finds the "cruel" distances I run hilarious and has always loved hearing about my kms. He has always supported me, and it is time for me to support him. 

One does not have to look far to be affected by Alzheimer's. Beyond supporting my dad, I am asking you to support the lives affected in your own network, the worlds that have changed and continue to adapt to new realities. By making a donation, you are contributing to transforming the lives of individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. By supporting the work of the Alzheimer Society of B.C., you are ensuring there is a province-wide organization dedicated to providing services and programs to help families faced with dementia have the confidence and skills to maintain quality of life, to supporting the search for the cure.

It is with great humblness that I ask for a donation of any size. No financial gesture is too small and every dollar is so very appreciated. 

The race I am entered in is the BMO Vancouver marathon and race day is Sunday, May 7. Cheering is also welome and encouraged along the route for those that are interested and available! The tall, dark haired man in the golf polo at the finish line is the person I will be running towards for the entire morning, and for the rest of my life. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this, it means the world. 

xo