In loving memory of my dear grandfather, John Jacob Vander Waal.
June 2, 1939 - December 7, 2012
We lost my grandfather far too early and far too young. He developed Alzheimer’s shortly after he retired and passed away at only 73 years old. I am so grateful that we were a close knit family and for the many many beautiful memories I have of my grandpa from jumping rope with him when we were little and camping in Osoyoos, summer afternoons at the pool trying to tip him off his tube, grandpa playing the organ in their sunken living room with shag carpet with all the family around singing,, his smile that looks so much like my dads and my own, the last really special conversation I had with him shortly before he moved into a care facility when he spoke with so much love to me of his deepest wishes for his family and for me. He was a man of great faith and deep love and his greatest desire was for his family and friends to know the same truth he did.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
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When my friend Katrina asked if I would join her in a 24 hour run to fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society, because as you can see, this is so important to me.
We lost my grandfather to Alzheimer’s but there are many, including my dear friend Katrina, who are currently journeying with Alzheimer’s of with a friend or family member with Alzheimer’s. This horrible disease impacts far too many lives and it is so important to me that we support the work of the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C.
My family was blessed to have the resources to care well for my grandfather as dementia had a greater and greater impact on his quality of life, but many don’t have that support or those resources and it’s so important they do.
By making a donation on this page, you are helping to transform the lives of individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. By supporting the work of the Alzheimer Society of B.C., you are ensuring there is a province-wide organization dedicated to providing services and programs to help families faced with dementia have the confidence and skills to maintain quality of life, to supporting the search for the cure.
Please make a donation today and help me to reach my fundraising goal!