Team Hi-Ya for Hope honours their dad and those impacted by dementia

A giant shout-out to team Hi-Ya for Hope. This team, hosted by captain Sabrina, currently the top fundraising team for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.

Sabrina is walking in honour of her dad, Michele, also known as Mikey, who is living with mixed dementia.

“My father had a deep love for martial arts,” Sabrina said. “In the early 1980s, he took up the sport and committed himself fully spending three nights a week training at his club, Black Tiger, and continuing his practice at home after converting our garage into his own dojo.”

Her dad loved teaching people how to defend themselves and spent his down time watching Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Jet Li, and Steven Seagal films. Mikey earned his black belt when he was 69.

“To honour his passion, strength, and fighting spirit, we chose (the name) Hi‑Ya for Hope—because just like he did his entire life, we want to stand up, fight back, and quite literally karate‑chop dementia and Alzheimer’s head‑on.”

Sabrina said her dad was an incredible person who would show up to help someone in need.

“He loved to joke around and took every opportunity to do something silly, bringing so much laughter to those around him. He really was the life of the party—so full of energy and spirit.”

 Team Hi-Ya for Hope includes Sabrina’s sister Luisa, her dad’s niece and nephews, his son-in-law and grandchildren, who will be walking to raise awareness about the disease and the impact it has on families.

“By walking and fundraising, we hope to spark conversations, honour those affected,  especially our dad, and show support for caregivers who face this journey every day.”

Thank you, Team Hi-Ya for Hope for joining us for this year’s walk and for already surpassing your fundraising goal.

Donate to Team Hi-Ya for Hope at https://bit.ly/HiYaforHope .

The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's takes place May 30 at Lake Wilcox Park. Register today by visiting www.alzgiving.ca/yorkregion2026 . Don't forget to personalize your page to let us know who you are walking for.

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Sabrina (left), is the captain for Team Hi-Ya for hope, which is raising awareness in funds in support of her dad, Mikey, who lives with mixed dementia. Her sister Luisa, sitting behind their mom, Franca, will also be participating.

Mikey received his black belt at 69.