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September 3 to 12, 2008
This fall, ten British Columbians will reach for the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet) in Tanzania, Africa, as part of the 2008 Ascent for Alzheimer’s.
Each individual has his or her personal motivations for making this journey, but that have a shared vision - to reach the summit in support of all those whose lives have been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
See below to meet and support the team members. If you’d like to support the entire Ascent team, click here to make a general donation.
Meet the 2008 Ascent for Alzheimer’s Team
| Darcy Bender, Vancouver, B.C. |
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"I thought after my grandfather had passed that it would never come my way again. However, Alzheimer's affects my life again." Read more...
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| Angela Chang, Vancouver, B.C. |
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"I live such a privileged life, and I have so much. Participating in Ascent, and the other work that I do in the community, is my way of giving back and sharing what I have."
Read more...
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| Peter Debay, Vancouver, B.C. |
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Peter’s grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a few years ago. "I’ll be celebrating my grandfather’s 90th birthday on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as honouring him with my ascent to the summit."
Read more...
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| Harry L Diemer, Victoria, B.C. |
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"I love the Ascent philosophy that this is a team effort. I’ve heard from previous groups that everyone rallies around to succeed together. There is great symbolism in this, because fighting Alzheimer’s disease requires a societal team effort."
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| Shannon Epp, North Vancouver, B.C. |
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"If there is anything I’ve learned from Dad’s illness, I’d tell people not to put things off-enjoy life along the way. Mom and Dad had planned to do a lot of traveling in their retirement, but all that has changed now. I would say to people to enjoy your life today!"
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| Lisah Fraser, Kamloops, B.C. |
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"I think there are a lot of misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease. People tend to think that once a person has the disease, their life is over. But people with dementia can live a long time and they still need and enjoy the support of their friends."
Read more...
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| Kit Morissette, Coquitlam, B.C. |
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"My personal contribution [through Ascent] will touch other people and become a bigger, more meaningful contribution - that’s exciting!"
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| Becki Paterson, Victoria, B.C. |
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"My mother is a nurse and works with people who have Alzheimer’s and dementia. Hearing Mom’s stories about the people and their families who are affected by the disease makes me want to do everything I can to help."
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| Sue Ross, North Vancouver, B.C. |
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"I’m so excited to be part of this because I’m bringing attention to this debilitating disease as well as funding support for the families, loved ones and caregivers who give so tirelessly of themselves."
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| Cliff Saito, Vancouver, B.C. |
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"My grandfather, who I never met, had Alzheimer’s disease. I never thought too much about the disease until after his death, when I realized that his illness had had such a huge impact on my family when I was young."
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| Sherry Ulaszonek, Victoria, B.C. |
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"I love the analogy that the Alzheimer Society uses, that the challenges of dementia are like reaching the peak of a mountain every day. The challenge for the rest of us who are well is: let’s take on this fundraising challenge and follow through for people living with the disease."
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Follow the 2008 Ascent for Alzheimer’s team as they make their way towards the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa.
