Homecare Costs

As some of you may know, Nate and I are getting married in Jamaica, January 2015. We decided not to have an engagement party, stag n doe, or any sort of showers, and instead would like to ask our friends and family to make a small donation to a great cause. 

On September 6th, 2014 I will be having a bachelorette party in Niagara Falls. That day, there is a 5k run called "Run or Dye" (http://ca.runordye.com/locations/Niagara-Falls#.U-P5aigx9FJ) where myself and other ladies will be dressing up in ridiculous clothing, and then will be celebrating love, life and friendship for the night. If you're a female who wants to take part in this, we'd love to have you on our team! The run itself costs $40-something and will be contributed to the YMCA/race fees.  Our team decided on a little side mission to raise money, and thats the reason for this website. We're called the Alzhstars. Why?

Kathryn's mom Patricia.

Who?

I met Kathryn in first year university, and was lucky enough to live across the hall from her in residence. After first year, 6 of us girls got a house together in London to finish school. She's one of the most kind hearted, considerate, selfless and loving people I have ever met. Despite the hundreds of pranks we played on her (sometimes even scaring her so badly she'd cry..) she'd still read and sing to me if I was ever having a bad day (check out her website, she is so talented www.kathrynaria.com). Kathryn is extremely inspirational and uses her voice and love for music to inspire others.

Kathryn and her mom had an extremely close relationship, and I was lucky enough to have met Patricia. I immediately could tell that's where Kathryn got her independence and positive demeanour. Five years ago, Kathryn's mom was diagnosed with a variation of early on-set Alzheimer's, and everything Kathryn had planned post university was altered. Since then, it has been a struggle to maintain her upbeat, positive attitude, and the frustration of the diagnosis not having a solution is exhausting and overwhelming.

Every single Alzheimer’s case is terminal and it’s a long and unpredictable slope until the end. Its been a difficult process for her to accept this unfair situation. It absolutely breaks my heart to hear Kathryn speak of her mother who is still physically here, but that her mom as she knew her is gone.

Kathryn has changed her lifestyle so much to ensure her mom is as happy as possible, and it has limited her ability to go and do all of the things she would if her mom wasn't in this situation. It's a constant struggle to keep her company 24/7, and meet the growing needs her mom has as new ones keep popping up. It's a full time job on its own, and requires so much energy from Kathryn and her family.

In 2012 Kathryn co-founded an event called Memory Ball to raise awareness and funds for people and families living with Alzheimer’s disease. Having raised over $120,000 dollars in three years for the Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto, she's excited about it's continued growth. She'd never, ever ask or expect any sort of financial help that was just for her family, and has resisted me doing this because she thinks other people deserve it more.

The donation made on this site or to any of the people listed below will be to assist with the costs of home care for Kathryn's mom (her family is eligible for litte to no government support and assistance), and anything else needed to make her mom as comfortable and happy as possible in the years to come. I'm extremely passionate about this, and hope you will support us in this worthwhile venture. Donations can be given in any increment, and every little bit will help.