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Walking for Murray

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/03/2025 (275 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

To Michelle Hlady, the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is a chance to come together with family and friends to support families living with dementia.

Dementia has had a significant impact on Michelle’s life. Her husband Murray was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at only 60 years old – which was a shock to their family.

“Our entire journey with dementia happened in just seven years,” Michelle said. “We saw the first signs when he was 60 years old, and he passed away last August at age 67.”

The couple were both working full-time when Murray’s symptoms began and they had to adjust as he quickly progressed. “Murray was an accountant by trade, so numbers were his thing, but dementia changed that. He struggled to count and do other tasks that had once been so natural to him, Michelle says. “Murray had to retire early, and I switched to part-time work so I could care for him.”

Michelle and Murray turned to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba to help them navigate this new path they had unexpectedly found themselves on. Michelle was introduced to the virtual young-onset dementia support group for family and friends, which became a lifeline for her. “It was almost like we were family, providing each other guidance, understanding and compassion,” says Michelle.

After experiencing dementia firsthand and seeing how quickly it can change lives, Michelle wanted to give back to the community that had become a huge support for her. So, she and her family joined Winnipeg’s IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in 2023 as the ‘Forget Me Nots’ to honour Murray who was residing in a personal care home at the time.

“We had 37 team members that first year and raised over $6,000 for the Alzheimer Society,” Michelle says proudly. “It felt incredible to come together, along with more than a thousand others, all supporting the same cause.”

Michelle, along with her family and friends, are gearing up to join the Walk again this year. She’s excited to raise even more funds to support the important work the Society does for families in Manitoba. “It’s a fun day full of laughter and sharing – I encourage everyone to come out, you’ll leave feeling uplifted and inspired.”

Let’s join Michelle in her efforts to support families living with dementia in Manitoba. There are Walks taking place right across the province this May and June — find a Walk near you and register online today by visiting
alzheimer.mb.ca/wfa.

Together, we can make a difference!