Walking Together: Supporting Families Living with Alzheimer's

Today, I had the privilege of participating in Richmond’s Walk for Alzheimer’s.

Like many community events, it brought together people from all walks of life. But this gathering was different. Behind every participant, every team, and every donation was a personal story of loss, caregiving, uncertainty, resilience, and love.

For me, the cause is deeply personal.

My father, Jim Dickey, passed away from Alzheimer’s almost ten years ago. Watching someone you love slowly lose memories, independence, and pieces of themselves is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face. Equally challenging is watching spouses, children, siblings, and friends do everything they can to provide support while often feeling powerless to change the outcome.

Anyone who has walked this journey understands that Alzheimer’s affects far more than the individual diagnosed. It affects entire families and support networks.

That is why events like this matter. They remind those living with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones that they are not alone.

One of the people who continues to inspire me is Andrew Reid and his wife Karina. Through Andrew’s early-onset Alzheimer’s journey, they have chosen to share their experiences publicly, helping others better understand the realities of this disease. Their courage, honesty, and advocacy have helped educate our community and support many families facing similar challenges.

Community support is not just about raising money for research. It is about creating a culture where people feel seen, understood, and supported. It is about neighbours helping neighbours. It is about reducing isolation and strengthening connections during some of life’s most difficult moments. In many ways, this is what community is all about.

A strong community is not measured only by infrastructure, budgets, or economic indicators. It is measured by how we respond when people need help. It is reflected in our willingness to support one another, to volunteer, to listen, and to stand alongside those facing challenges.

Throughout my years of volunteering in Richmond, I have seen this spirit repeatedly. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting local organizations, helping at community events, or participating in fundraisers like the Walk for Alzheimer’s, I have witnessed people stepping forward to help simply because it is the right thing to do.

As a candidate for Richmond City Council, that belief guides me.

I believe local government should help strengthen the connections that make our community resilient. We should support organizations that serve vulnerable residents, encourage volunteerism, create opportunities for people to come together, and ensure families know where to find help when they need it.

While City Hall cannot solve every challenge, it can help create the conditions for a caring and connected community.

The Walk for Alzheimer’s reminded me that some of the most important things we do as a city have nothing to do with politics. They have everything to do with compassion.

We all have the ability to make a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes it starts with a conversation. Sometimes it starts with showing up and sometimes it starts with taking a walk together.

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, donated, and shared their story. Your efforts are helping build a stronger, more caring Richmond and that is a community worth investing in.

Jerome Dickey