Sense of community found at Walk for Alzheimer’s

Jillian Wolfe said one of the best parts about participating in the Alzheimer Society of York Region’s (AS York) IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is the sense of community she feels being a part of it.

“I love that the walk brings people together, families, caregivers, staff, volunteers and community members, all united by compassion and shared experience,” Wolfe said. “There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing so many people walking for someone they love.”

Wolfe has participated in the #IGWalkforAlz for the past three years. She walks in honour of her nana, Elizabeth Ann Gray, who died in 2010 after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The first year she signed up for the walk with a friend. Last year, she started Team Gray, which consisted of her parents and two friends. This year, Team Gray is once again joining the walk. So far the team includes her parents, two brothers, her sister-in-law and her friends, with her goal of getting about 10 people out to the walk, which takes place May 30 at Lake Wilcox Park.

“Walking is important to me because it’s one of the most meaningful ways I can honour my nana and support families who are living through the same journey my family did,” said Wolfe, whose team has raised more than $1,200, halfway to their $2,500 goal. “I’ve seen firsthand how dementia affects not just the person diagnosed, but everyone who loves them. The walk gives me a way to turn that experience into something positive. It provides connection, hope, and support for others.”

In January, Wolfe joined the Alzheimer Society of York Region’s Walk Committee after volunteering for the organization over the summer. She said she brings her experience as a participant to the group, which helps organize the walk.

“I love being part of the planning process and seeing how much care goes into creating an event that truly honours families. It’s rewarding to help shape something that means so much to so many people. I’m also really looking forward to experiencing the walk from start to finish. I love knowing that my hard work is helping create a day that brings comfort, connection, and hope to so many families.”

Wolfe said she loved the energy of last year’s walk, and the support and sense of community she felt.

“It wasn’t just a fundraiser, it felt like a celebration of the people we’re walking for,” Wolfe said. “The shoelace ceremony was also very impactful. There were very few dry eyes in the crowd. Also, the face painting. It made me feel like a little kid again. I asked for blue flowers. It was very cute.”

This year, Wolfe will also be joining the walk as an AS York staff member: she

started as the administrative coordinator March 16, greeting clients and their families as they come into the Aurora office, recording attendance and doing the administrative behind-the-scenes tasks.

“My favourite part of my role are the people. Everyone is so friendly. You can tell that everyone loves AS York and it makes me motivated to do my best.”

Wolfe said she is excited to participate in this year’s walk.

“This year, I’m excited to grow Team Gray, meet more families and be part of the event from both sides, as a participant and as someone who now works at AS York. And, of course, the face paint.”

Wolfe said she encourages people to join the walk to make a difference to York Region residents impacted by dementia.

“People should join because the walk is more than a fundraiser, it’s a community. I’m definitely an example of someone who found her place here. This community has become such an important part of my life, and it all started with taking that first step and showing up. Whether you walk for someone you love or simply want to support a meaningful cause, your presence matters.”

Learn more about Team Gray: https://bit.ly/TeamGray2026

$2,500 for 25: Team Gray is raising funds in celebration and in honour

Jullian Wolfe and Team Gray are halfway to their goal of raising $2,500 for Wolfe’s 25th birthday.

Wolfe said she is hoping to raise this amount by sharing her story about why she is walking: her nana, Elizabeth Ann Gray, died in 2010 after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Even though I was young when she passed, I still have a couple of really special memories of her that have stayed with me. One of them is visiting her at her private assisted living home and seeing the moving picture frame she kept. It was filled with photos of us. It was little moments from our lives that she loved. Even as her memory changed, those pictures were a reminder of how connected we were.

“Another memory that always makes me smile is how she used to call me Rhonda when I visited, because I look exactly like my mom did when she was my age. It was her way of placing me in the world she remembered, and it’s something I’ve always held close to my heart. I didn’t fully understand it when I was younger, but now I do.”

Wolfe said she has been using Instagram to promote her team and the walk but will also post to Facebook and LinkedIn. She posts regular updates and encourages people to make small donations because they add up. She said she also reminds people that their support directly helps York Region residents impacted by dementia and reaches out to people who have donated in the past.

 

Wolfe’s other fundraising tips include:

• Share why you walk because people connect with personal stories. Want to share your story? Email [email protected] to share yours.
• Make it easy for people to donate by sharing your link often.
• Celebrate every donation, no matter the size.
• Invite people to join your team as it builds momentum.
• Keep your updates positive and heartfelt.

“The walk raises essential funds that directly support programs in our community. It also brings awareness, connection, and hope. For many families, it’s a day to honour someone they love and feel surrounded by people who understand.”

Visit https://support.alzheimer.ca/site/TR?fr_id=5460&pg=entry to register today. Don’t forget to personalize your walk page so we know who you are walking for. Then start raising funds to support family, friends and neighbours impacted by dementia.

Want to share your story? Email [email protected].

 

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Cutline: Team Gray is once again participating in the #IGWalkforAlz, in hour of Elizabeth Ann Gray who died after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.