Andrea is a person who lives with dementia. She is a Facilitator Lead for the Hamilton Council on Aging and a DEN Co-Lead to support the development of dementia friendly communities. Andrea has been instrumental in developing 3 dementia empowerment groups in Ontario. Two in Haldimand and one in Hamilton. By profession, Andrea was an RPN. She also holds a BSW degree from Dalhousie University. She is a proud member of the LGBTQ plus community. She has triplets with her partner, Amy. Her plan for the future is to support the development of dementia friendly communities across Canada.

Virginia Lee Bandy is a member of the Bumblebee Memory Group in Caledonia. Ever since she joined the Bumblebees, Virginia has been an avid dementia advocate. She has been a guest speaker and a panel speaker several times on various dementia related events in Ontario. Virginia is a retired Registered Laboratory Technologist (QA specialist). She is a former Lab Quality Manager at Niagara Health and a former member of the assessment team for CALA (Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation. Virginia is a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 5. She is an athletic phenom and a two-time Boston Marathon participant. She is also a proud member of the Caledonia Dementia Empowerment Network.

I live in Milton, surrounded by the warmth of my loving family. My journey with Alzheimer’s disease has been a profound one, marked by both challenges and resilience.

In the years preceding my diagnosis, I noticed a gradual erosion of my memory, a period that tested my strength as I grappled with even the simplest aspects of my daily life. What made this journey even more daunting was the knowledge that  Alzheimer’s had touched my own family, with my father and two uncles who faced this challenge.

My symptoms encroached on my short-term memory, my ability to find words, and my capacity to carry out daily tasks, even basic calculations. Tasks, plans, recipes, and recent meals vanished
from my mind. Names, events, and appointments became elusive, making conversations a fragile endeavor, often leading to repetition and moments of disorientation, especially while
driving.

Acknowledging the gravity of these symptoms, I turned to my family physician, who guided me to the Toronto Memory Program. After comprehensive assessments and diagnostic tests,
including a brain MRI, the diagnosis became clear: early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The shock was profound, compounded by the experiences of watching my father and uncle's journey in the later stages of the disease. A period of sadness and denial followed.

With time, I made peace with my diagnosis and committed to maintaining a positive outlook. I resolved to do all in my power to slow the disease’s progress and contribute to Alzheimer’s research. I actively engage in social programs, not only for my benefit but to support others on a similar path. Participating in a clinical drug study program, regardless of the personal outcome, is my way of inching closer to a cure for Alzheimer’s. My hope is that, one day, Alzheimer’s patients will access medications to prevent, delay, or cure this condition.

While I still handle cooking and household tasks, I am blessed with solid support from my husband. I ask for guidance during moments of confusion or frustration without giving up my independence.

Despite the challenges, I find comfort and joy in sewing, walking, and cherishing time with family and friends. Even in moments of uncertainty, my determination drives me to seek solutions and keep moving forward. My message to others facing Alzheimer’s or similar challenges is this: Until our brain is not working, we must do whatever we can. It’s a disease, and we must figure things out and have to go on – do not stop anything. Don’t stop living! If we stop, we are not going to gain anything.' I hope my story can inspire and encourage others to
persevere in the face of adversity.