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Ascent for Alzheimer's 2011
On September 26th, the 2011 Team began their journey to the peak of Mt.Kilimanjaro to raise money in the fight against Alzheimer's.As a signature event for the Alzheimer Society of B.C., Ascent raises funds for education and services to support the more than 70,000 individuals and their families across the province who live with dementia every day. Dollars raised also fund vital research into the causes and the cure.
Some take on this life-changing experience for a family member or a friend, others take the journey to experience a once in a lifetime adventure. As a team, they recognize their ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro symbolizes the upward struggle that individuals with Alzheimer’s face every day.
Read more about Ascent for Alzheimer's...
Meet the 2011 Ascent Team
I'm excited to be participating in the Ascent for Alzheimer's 2011 with my friends Sandra and Joan. Having recently joined Tapestry, a fantastic senior’s community at UBC, I have seen first-handedly the impact Alzheimer's has on people's lives. The great thing about this fundraising effort is that 100% of what we raise goes to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and all participants pay for their own expenses. I hope you will consider supporting me in this worthwhile cause.
Click here to support Alice!
As a personal trainer and outdoor fitness enthusiast, I am always looking for an epic adventure and hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro was definitely on my bucket list! I embrace the opportunity to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s, a disease that has affected my clients and their families, and challenge myself physically and mentally.
Helping others set goals is a crucial part of my job and as I embark on this personal fundraising quest – I realize the importance of my support network to help me reach mine. I hope to inspire others to push their limits and realize that anything is possible with perseverance and desire! Click here to support Anjulie!
For nearly 20 years, I have worked in senior’s care facilities and witnessed first-handedly the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the elderly and their families. As a member of the 2011 Ascent Team, I have the opportunity to contribute to raising not only money, but raising the awareness of the impact of Alzheimer’s disease. I cannot achieve the fundraising goal without your help. But with your help, I know I will surpass the minimum $10,000.00 commitment I have made to be a member of the Ascent for Alzheimer’s 2011 team. Thank you for your support. Click here to support Dan!
Jean Grant
Vancouver, B.C.
Jessie Grant,
1923-2008 (photo)
I am hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro in honour of the love Jessie Grant lived and passed on to me as her daughter. I am hiking for all the mothers and daughters who have lived or live with Alzheimer’s disease. I am hiking for my Dad who taught me through 15 years of his love and care of Jessie what True Love is. I am hiking for all the caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease, both family and professional. Through the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and this hike, I want to bring awareness to the possibilities of the relationships that are available to us through both the courage and awareness of giving and receiving love. Jessie loved the mountains as I do, and I feel honoured to be a part of this hike in her name. Click here to support Jean!
I've lost two beautiful women in my life; my mother, and mother-in-law, both to Alzheimer’s disease. It is my honor to be hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro in September 2011, in both of their memories. I have joined this team and I am committed to raise $10,000.00, all which goes to finding a cure, raising awareness, as well as support for caregivers. Your support would mean so much. Thank you. Click here to support Joan!
I love physical challenges and have kayaked, skied and hiked BC’s mountains or waterways most of my adult life. In 2001 I ran a half-marathon honouring my daughter who died of leukemia – this time it is my mother’s spirit who will accompany me.
Now retired – a weaver, writer and avid reader – I still strike out, even on rainy days, for the great outdoors! The knowledge that 100% of our team’s fundraising goes toward the Alzheimer Society’s support of families and medical research offers me hope. Working with a committed group such as this will be a privilege. Click here to support Marian!
Murray Williamson
Vancouver, BC
Both my mom (Shirley) and her sister (Erla) were impacted by Alzheimer’s disease – my Aunt Erla while still in her late 50's. I vividly recall the gradual deterioration of mind, body and spirit in my Aunt Erla and the impossible challenges faced by her family looking for answers.
For an outdoor enthusiast with a penchant for mountains, what better way to support the cause and reach a long-held personal goal of ascending Africa's tallest mountain? I am thrilled to be on this team, particularly with two close personal friends. I am sure we will all be changed by the experience and proud of raising money for a most worthy cause. Click here to support Murray!
Neil McDonnell
Vancouver, BC
It struck me as I committed to the hike and began fundraising, that however daunting it may seem to me to hike 3.7 miles up in the air to summit one of Africa's highest mountains, it pales in comparison to the challenges that one faces with Alzheimer’s or a loved one who is suffering from it.
My goal is to enjoy this great physical challenge as part of a wonderful team (and blog or tweet about it on the mountain), my desire is to convince you to donate and my dream is to find a cure for this terrible disease. Please support the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Click here to support Neil!
I am proud and excited to be part of the 2011 Ascent for Alzheimer’s team. My father-in-law lived with dementia for a number of years before passing in 2009, so I have an awareness of the impact this disease has on those who suffer and on families and caregivers. My neighbour, Ed Arnold, inspired me to pursue this challenge. Ed is the only person to have hiked Kilimanjaro twice for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. – his second ascent was in 2010 at the age of 69! I’m looking forward to this challenge and hope you will help me reach my fundraising goal of exceeding $10,000. Click here to support Sandra!
The Team Members
Alice Savage
Anjulie Latta
Dan Levitt
Jean Grant
Joan Porter
Marian Lowery
Murray Williamson
Neil McDonnell
Sandra Wilson
2011 Sponsors
Media Sponsors
Donors
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. thanks our sponsors for their generous support. This is not an endorsement.
Mt. Kilimanjaro - Grouse Grind for Alzheimer's
Transcending geographical boundaries to show their support, a team of Ascent for Alzheimer’s alumni did the Grouse Grind on Sunday, Oct. 2 at the same time last year’s Ascent team hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania Africa!
Registration will be open soon!
Is this your year?
If you or your family, friends or colleagues have what it takes to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro, we’d like to hear from you!
For more information on how you can join an Ascent Team, contact:Alyssa Brownsmith
Special Events Officer
Phone: 604-742-4920
Toll-free at 1-800-667-3742
E-mail: abrownsmith@alzheimerbc.org
