Honour Your Space

What an inspiring day! So many amazing people with kind hearts engaged in a common cause. Some of the 1,435 walkers were there in memory of loved ones now gone. Others were there as caregivers, or those suffering from or impacted in some way by Alzheimer’s or dementia. Our ‘Spoken Lives’ team included Elizabeth, our fearless ‘captain’, Ellen, Janice, Jennifer and myself. Small but mighty in our fabulous capes, we walked and danced and twirled together as volunteers cheered ...us onward. It felt good.

I plan to once again join the ‘Spoken Lives’ team in 2021. The energy of our team and in the room and along the walk energized and filled my heart. Plus, it’s so gratifying to see and experience how well The Alzheimer’s Society treats their volunteers and walkers. Hope to see you next year!

To each person who spoke to me after I ‘told my story’ at @spokenlives this week, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I so appreciate hearing your story and how it resonated with mine. Each was a special gift. To the entire group of over 50 amazing women, thank you! It was empowering to feel your attention and to be heard. And to Elizabeth, for your clear thinking in conceiving this format. You always bring something new to the collective table. The addition ...of a group ‘brainstorm’ to support those brave enough to voice their need was brilliant. Brava! P.S. Cindy, if you read this, let me know. I would love to hear how your first Spoken Lives evening went.

My dad died on April 16, 2009, from Alzheimer related injuries. As a Health Care professional working in Long Term Care, I received training from The Alzheimer’s Society. It was compassionate, up-to-date and practical. They also offer training for family/friends.... If you are able, I ask you to make a donation to me, as part of the 'Spoken Lives' Team in the ‘2020 Walk for Memories’ held February 1. Any amount is appreciated! Just go to walk.alz.to click on ‘donate’ and enter my name, Karen Hill. You will help the Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto provide supportive care, educational programs, and research support. From the bottom of my heart, many thanks and all the best to you and your family in 2020!