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2019 WFA honouree Margaret Stecyk and family Vernon

Margaret Stecyk & Family (Charlene, Lisa, Chris, Darren, Denica) - Vernon Honourees

2019 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's

For Margaret Stecyk, living well with dementia is a family affair. Her family – including two daughters Charlene and Lisa, son-in-law Darren, and grandson Chris & granddaughter Denica – have all attended Minds in Motion®, the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s social and fitness program for people in the early stages of dementia and a care partner, or in Margaret’s case, four care partners.

“It gives her stability and she loves the exercise,” says Charlene. “It was a real constant in her life when everything else was in upheaval.”

The program eased Margaret’s transition from her home into independent living. She and her husband Walter, who lives with her at their new residence, have been in Vernon for 62 years. Throughout their time in the community, Margaret, known for her caring, loving and personable nature, was very active. She gave her time to her church and community groups. She also ran the family business, a long-term care home for seniors, and later, adults with developmental disabilities, for several decades. 

“She was very social,” Charlene says, also making mention of Margaret’s epic shopping skills. “When she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she lost confidence in doing those kinds of things.”

The stimulation and socialization Margaret found through Minds in Motion® returned some of that confidence, while also giving her family caregivers a community where they could exchange advice and seek support. Charlene, a nurse herself, is now championing what she calls “an astounding” amount of resources available through the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and encouraging other families to get in touch with the Society, as well as a local public health nurse to ensure their needs are met. Meanwhile, Margaret is pleased to share their story and support others on the dementia journey as an honouree. 

“She wanted to do it as long as we were all together. She thought it was special.”

 

 

Walk with Margaret Stecyk & Family at the Vernon IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's on Sunday, May 5. Together, we make memories matter.

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