Sue and Andrew Dysart

Key Alzheimer Society of B.C. fundraiser

in Nanaimo honours Sue and Andrew Dysart

Sue and Andrew Dysart met in 1973. Sue was working as a purchasing agent for an interior design studio and Andrew was a traveling salesperson. Seven years later, Andrew moved to Vancouver and hired Sue to work as a salesperson and bookkeeper. Before long, they fell in love.The connection Andrew and Sue formed in those early days would carry them through many changes in their relationship – from building a family to managing life with dementia.

Andrew was an avid golfer and spent a lot of time on the green, so the day Andrew had to retrieve a ball from a sandpit and couldn’t figure out how to get out, was a major clue something wasn’t right. Not long after, Andrew came home from work and told Sue he couldn’t remember how to get his day in order. He lost his job and became depressed. He was struggling with memory and behaviour changes, but they couldn’t understand why. Their family doctor referred them to a specialist, where they got the answers they were looking for.

“When I received the diagnosis, I said ‘Thank you,’” Andrew says.

Andrew Dysart is among the 85,000 people living with dementia in British Columbia. On Sunday, May 26, the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s largest fundraiser will raise funds in Nanaimo for essential programs and services and ensure people living with dementia and the people who care for them don’t face it alone.

The NanaimoIG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s,presented by Go Auto, takes place atNanaimo Yacht Club, 400 Newcastle Avenue. Registration starts at 10 a.m. followed by the Walk from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information contactrmanj@alzheimerbc.org.

The Walk helps provide critical supports for people affected by dementia, while breaking down stigma surrounding the disease. Each of the more than 20 events across B.C. is dedicated to an honouree – an individual or group affected by dementia, or someone who has valuably contributed to the lives of people living with the disease. This year Sue and Andrew are being honoured at theWalkin Nanaimo for their contribution to the community and their desire to help other people affected by dementia.

“Receiving a dementia diagnosis can either come as a shock or a relief – or anything in between for the thousands of people who develop the disease each year in B.C. and the supports they each need are just as individual as they are,” says Stephanie Altenhof, Support and Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. in Nanaimo.

“Every day we see first hand how different resources we provide empower people to face the challenges of dementia and live well at different stages in the journey. TheWalkis an opportunity for everyone to take part in providing essential support and feel the power of walking alongside neighbours and friends on the dementia journey.”

Shortly after receiving a dementia diagnosis, Andrew and Sue were referred to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. They started attending Minds in Motion®,the charity’s social and fitness program,and support groups and quickly found a supportive community. Andrew and Sue developed a friendship with a couple they met at Minds in Motion® and they go out for lunch together at least twice a month.

“The Society has been amazing through this whole thing,” Sue says. “It’s nice to have that connection.”

To help make a difference in the lives of people like Sue and Andrew on the dementia journey in your community, visit WalkForAlzheimers.ca.