Taking one step at a time to make a difference

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This article was published 17/06/2011 (5407 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Tammy Mowat Blair had to experience losing her mother twice. Now she walks with the hope that no other family will have to go through the same thing.

Mowat Blair, 34, has been taking part in the Investors Group Memory Walk, which supports the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, since 2003.

The disease has had a huge impact her family. Both her mother and grandfather died as a result of Alzheimer’s, an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.

Mowat Blair said the most difficult part of the disease for her family was having to say goodbye to a loved one twice.

“It’s two deaths basically because you lose the person they are, but their body is still there,” she said. “Once they pass away from the disease you lose them again.”

Mowat Blair’s mother was only 46 when she was diagnosed with the disease.

“It’s a cause dear to my heart. My mother is the person I wanted to be, and I loved so dearly, and I saw her deteriorate,” said Mowat Blair, who grew up in North Kildonan with her family but now lives in St. Clements.

Kim Mardero, manager of events and corporate giving with the Manitoba chapter of the Alzheimer Society, said that Mowat Blair’s family has been steadfast in its support for the organization.

“They’re like ambassadors for the cause because they’ve lived with the affects of the disease,” she said.
“They have a real passion for helping others that are affected.”

Mardero said she applauds the efforts of Mowat Blair and her family in helping others cope with the same situation they did.

“You see what they’re going through and want to do your best to help them,” she said. “They have a strong desire to see the research increase.”

Mowat Blair said one of the greatest sources of her family’s inspiration has been her grandmother. Joan Mowat, 89, is the family matriarch and continues to take part in the walk each year.

“She lost a daughter-in-law, and a husband to this disease,” she said.

As a result of the impact Alzheimer’s has had on her family, Mowat Blair said she and her relatives feel compelled to do what they can to lessen the impact on other families.

“It’s one thing I can do, to not watch another family member go through what my mother and grandfather went through,” she said. “To show awareness, support, and at some point find a cure so no one else will have to suffer.”

This year’s walk will take place Thurs., June 16 at The Forks beginning at 5 p.m.

For more information or to register for the walk visit www.alzheimer.mb.ca.

adrian.alleyne@canstarnews.com