Thornhill resident Leela D’Cruz participates in the #IGWalkforAlz because she knows the impact of dementia

Thornhill’s Leela D’Cruz knows the impact of dementia and how it affects families, which is why she is taking part in the Alzheimer Society of York Region’s (AS York) IG Walk for Alzheimer’s May 30.

“We need more money as more people are going to be living with dementia,” said D’Cruz, whose mom and dad both died after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and her father-in-law currently lives with it.

“The walk is a great opportunity for people in the community to come together and raise money for this cause.”

The #IGWalkforAlz raises money to support AS York programs and services that support both people living with dementia and their care partners.

D’Cruz sits on AS York’s Board of Directors and is chair of the governance committee.

While not a normal part of aging, age is the No. 1 risk factor for developing dementia. As the population ages, the number of people diagnosed with the disease is expected to increase. Currently 21,000 York Region residents are living with this disease, with that number expected to go up to more than 34,000 by 2033.[LD1] 

That means, it’s likely that “someone you know will be affected by dementia.”

D’Cruz’s mom, Cynthia, who died after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease in September 2025, immigrated to Canada from India in her 20s after completing her nursing degree in England.

Cynthia met her future husband, James, in Canada. D’Cruz’s dad was a geologist, who helped map out northern Quebec. Her parents separated when she was young. Her dad died in 2017 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

D’Cruz said her mom was a strong, loving and driven person. But after she developed Alzheimer’s disease “she became very anxious and very worried.”  

D’Cruz, who was living in Montreal with her family, husband David Fortier and their children Anne-Marie and Matthew, at the time, moved back to Ontario to help care for her mom. Her mom was supposed to attend programs but refused to go.

“She would say she was not going and my husband would say, ‘OK,’ and let her stay home,” D’Cruz said.

Cynthia lived with the disease for more than 10 years.

D’Cruz’s father-in-law has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for about 10 years. She said he is frustrated by his memory loss but adapts quickly.  If he struggles to remember a word, he simply says he forgets and moves on. Unlike her mom, he doesn’t seem anxious or afraid.

 “All three have had very different dementias, so each of my loved ones has/had very different care needs,” she said.

D’Cruz joined the AS York Board of Directors in March 2024. She said was impressed the staff and AS York’s CEO Kari Quinn-Humphrey, who she worked with at the organization in another capacity. She said she also admired the organization and how it is helping York Region residents impacted by dementia.

“I love the growth and diversity of the programs. I appreciate the staff and their continued efforts to support those living with dementia. Because they (AS York staff) really are making the lives of caregivers easier.”

D’Cruz said registering for the IG Walk for Alzheimer’s and raising funds is vital so AS York can continue expanding its programs and services. She said the DAY programs are an example. There is a waitlist for the program, which she said highlights the demand for services that support both people living with the disease and their care partners.

On May 30, Team Fortier Foxtrotters will once again be walking in support of AS York. D’Cruz will be joined by her family for the “best day ever” as said by her now six-year-old niece, who is also walking.

The walk “brings people together.” D’Cruz said loves that the community comes out to walk in an inclusive environment and have fun. And she loves the face painting.

“I wait until all the kids are done,” she said with a laugh. “I enjoy this moment to have fun together.”

Donate to Team Fortier Foxtrotters: https://bit.ly/42X6ohh

There is still time to register for the Walk for Alzheimer’s and start fundraising. Register today and don’t forget to personalize your page: www.alzgiving.ca/yorkregion2026