2026 UPDATES COMING SOON!

Miles for Murray

A bib in the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon opened up the other week and I decided to jump on it.

At first, I figured this would be a fun new endurance challenge and a nice way to cruise through the city.

I then realized that this is the starting point for something bigger - a journey to honour my Dad and raise awareness for Lewy Body Dementia.

For those who don’t know, my Dad, Murray, passed away last December after a tough battle with LBD - a neurological disorder that impacts your cognition, memory, and movement. His decline throughout 2024 was sudden and steep, and it opened my eyes to the lack of awareness and support that exists for those facing LBD and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Over the next year, I’ll be working to raise funds and awareness for LBD research and care.

This weekend’s marathon is the starting point - the first of many steps towards a 140.6 mile Ironman triathlon in 2026, dedicated to my Dad and to all of the families touched by dementia.

This has been on my mind for some time and the marathon happened to line up perfectly as stop #1. The Ironman is already in the calendar and I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.

I’ve launched a fundraiser called “Miles for Murray”, with proceeds going toward research and programs supporting patients and caregivers affected by LBD and related neurodegenerative disorders.

Thank you to everyone for any and all support - it means more than you know!

Jack Shields

More information about Alzheimer Society of Canada: The Alzheimer Society is Canada's leading nationwide health charity for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Active in communities right across Canada, the Society offers information, support and education programs; funds research to improve care and find a cure; promotes public education and awareness; and influences public policy and decision-making.