David Lubke and his family are once again joining the #IGWalkforAlz in support of programs and services “right at our back door”

If Holland Landing’s David Lubke was looking for a silver lining to his mom’s diagnosis and battle with young-onset dementia, it would be the connections he has made because of it.

“Being able to connect and share our story is soothing and comforting,” David said. “It allows healing and helps us come to terms with it.”

David’s mom, Gabrielle, was diagnosed with young-onset dementia in 2020. She was 64. At first, the family brushed off his mom’s forgetfulness and repeated stories as normal signs of aging. But it was Gabrielle’s family doctor who made the connection, referring Gabrielle and her husband, Hans, to Southlake where Gabrielle was diagnosed with young-onset dementia. About 28,000 Canadians live with young-onset dementia, which effects people between the ages of 18 and 64.

Gabrielle and Hans Lubke immigrated to Canada in 1983. The couple were from Germany, where Gabrielle was an office administrator and Hans a toolmaker. The couple, and their young son, Christian, lived in Mexico where Hans worked before eventually settling in Canada after he got a job with Magna. The family moved several times, before arriving in Newmarket,  where David, Christian and their younger sister, Stephanie grew up.

Gabrielle didn’t work outside the home once her children where born, but David said his mom was busy volunteering at their school, horseback riding, bowling and spending time in the garden.

“What stands out to me is mom’s unwavering commitment to always being there.”

David said he and his siblings played baseball and after “making sure we had a warm dinner she would spend time at each of our games. That meant a lot, to have our mom cheering in the stands.”

When his mom was diagnosed, David said his family “had no real understanding of the disease.” David started Googling dementia, “falling down the rabbit hole. I didn’t know who to go to or where to turn to.” He soon became overwhelmed with information, most of which was misleading. It was during that search that he discovered an event hosted by the Alzheimer Society of York Region (AS York) called Caring for the Caregiver.

His whole family went – his dad, his siblings and their partners and his wife, Alyssa.

“It was very emotional,” David said of the event, which featured a caregiver who spoke about supporting her partner who lived with dementia. “There wasn’t a dry eye. We left and we were very quiet.”

But then the family’s group chat exploded - with words such as “incredible and helpful” bouncing around.

“Eye opening, is the only word to describe it.”

That event connected David and his family with AS York and the programs and services the non-profit organization offers to York Region residents impacted by dementia. Gabrielle began attending the Aurora DAY program two to three days a week, providing Gabrielle with socialization, while offering some needed respite for Hans. Gabrielle continued going to the DAY program for several months, at which time her family made the decision to move her to a long-term care home Bradford, where Hans spends almost every day with her.

In 2023, David and his siblings, their partners and kids joined the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, walking in honour of their mom and Oma, grandmother in German. Last year, Hans joined the walk.

“Dad joined our team and, like us, felt the strength of community among so many York Region families navigating the same journey,” David said. “Walking together for the same cause reminds us how this disease impacts every generation of a family.”

This year the Lubke family will once again participate in the IG Walk for Alzheimer’s, joining other York Region families raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and funds to support programs and services. David will also be part of the walk committee as volunteer co-leader, helping manage the volunteers who are an important part of the walk, as well as growing the event so more people impacted by dementia can get support.

The Lubke family is also this year’s Honorary Family.

For David, being part of the Honorary Family means he gets to continue to share his mom’s story. David also shared his family’s story in AS York’s holiday campaign in December. When he posted that story on social media, he said he reconnected with friends who reached out to talk about his mom, but also connected with new people, who wanted to share their stories.

Dementia “is an impactful disease. Sharing stories and talking about it is comforting and it offers a sense that you’re doing something and navigating through it. Sharing my story showed me that dementia impacts so many people. It allowed me to connect with others, while navigating my own grief and loss.”

It also gave him an opportunity to share information, including about the programs and services offered by AS York by people who show compassion and care with each interaction.

“Staff are helpful and insightful. They help you so you don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s a personal level of care and empathy. Plus, they are right at our back door.”

David encourages people to register today for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s taking place Saturday, May 24 at 8 a.m. (check-in), with the opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. The 1.3-kilometre walk takes place at 12895 Bayview Ave. at Oak Ridges Community Centre, Lake Wilcox Park, in Richmond Hill. There will be entertainment including music and face painting as well as a magician and balloon twister and face painting. Visit www.alzgiving.ca/yorkregion2025 to register and donate.

David said one of his favourite parts of the event is when his children, Charlotte, 7, and Benjamin, 3, colour pictures for their wagon, which they also decorate with drawings, balloons and streamers.

“That part is fun. We love to do it in honour of my mom.”

He also likes the vendors who set up to support walkers and the Flower Garden, where participants share photos of the people for whom they are walking.