Walking in support of family – and the larger community impacted by dementia

For Maleeka Mohamed, attending the Alzheimer Society of York Region’s (AS York) IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s last year with her parents made her realize just how many people have been impacted by dementia.

“Knowing how hard it has been for my family, especially my dad who's the primary caregiver, it touched me as to how many people need more help and support on this journey,” Maleeka said. “It also felt really good to be there with my parents and to show them some support.”

Maleeka’s mom, Jasmine, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in October 2023. This year, Maleeka has formed Team Mohamed, which includes her dad Nooruddin Mohamed, her husband Hussein, and her sister Khadijah. She is trying to get her niece and nephew to join, if their extra-curriculars permit.

“I put it (the #IGWalkforAlz) in all of our calendars at last year's walk. ...I think it's something that's very important for us to do together as a family to support my mom and also the wonderful organization that has already done so much for us.”

The entire family has used the programs and supports from AS York. Maleeka, her sister and her dad all attended the First Steps for Care Partners program, a multi-week program that teaches participants about the different types of dementia, symptoms, and what caregivers can do to help.

“My father has also attended a caregiver support group, which I'm so thankful for. It's been hard for him to open up to his daughters about the situation as he doesn't want to worry us, so it was really nice for him to have people to speak with that could relate and provide compassion and support for him.”

Jasmine also attended the DAY program.

“She (Jasmine) always spoke highly of the program when she attended.”

Jasmine and Nooruddin immigrated to Canada over 50 years ago, Maleeka said, working hard to give their family the “best life possible.”

Her mom worked full time in a variety of fields, going back to school in her 60s to get her esthetician certificate and running her own business.

 “She loved sewing and arts and crafts and would make clothes for us for special occasions, including my Grade 8 graduation,” Maleeka said. “She was always very resourceful and the example of a strong independent woman. I admire her for having the courage and the passion to go. She loves music and dancing and is such a kind-hearted individual, even still. This is one thing I hope the disease never takes from her.” 

Maleeka said she heard about the walk after signing up for AS York’s mailing list and she decided she wanted to join it.

“It's a great cause and seeing how much they have already supported our family, we wanted to find a way to give back and also meet others from the community.”

Maleeka said the goal of her team is to raise $3,000 for AS York and said she will achieve this goal by reaching out to family, friends and colleagues. She said the walk at Lake Wilcox Park is both calming and beautiful and liked the informational booths.

“The energy, passion and devotion of the organizers was inspirational and heart warming,” Maleeka said.

“I appreciate the hard work and care that the staff at the Alzheimer’s society have shown. We've been lucky to have worked with very passionate, compassionate and kind individuals from the Alzheimer society, and I hope they know how much their work positively impacts not only the individual experiencing the disease, but their loved ones as well. My family thanks them from the bottom of our hearts.”

Donate to Team Mohamed: https://bit.ly/TeamMohamed26