Welcome Spring! A Season of Growth and Connection
As we delve into a long-awaited spring, I’m reminded of Sam (pictured above with her Grandpa Doug in his garden). Today an inspiring and accomplished young woman in our local community, Sam talks about staying connected and visiting people regardless of their dementia symptoms. Both of Sam’s grandparents have been impacted by dementia, and Sam has fond memories of visiting them regularly. When she reflects on visits with her Grandma Janice, she notes, “I visit her for her and I visit her for me. For me, she’s not gone, she’s still here. Maybe she won’t remember me being there, but I know she’ll remember the feeling of people visiting.” This is a powerful reminder of why we continue to grow the StillMe social movement for change and offer invaluable supports to anyone affected by dementia in the Calgary region. I hope you find this spring update as energizing as our team does in sharing it with you.
- Barb Ferguson, Executive Director
A champion for those living with Alzheimer’s
Craig Senyk’s story of community, music, and a shared purpose
When Craig Senyk first encountered the devastating impact of Alzheimer's disease within his own family, he never imagined it would lead him to become one of the most passionate advocates for the Alzheimer Society of Calgary. For over five years, his unwavering support has helped transform countless lives in our community.
The Personal Journey In 2019, Craig's path crossed with Devin Cooper, organizer of The Ride to Remember – an extraordinary event that beautifully weaves together live music, motorcycles, and hope for those affected by Alzheimer's. What began as a modest fundraiser generating $1,000 has blossomed into a remarkable annual celebration that raised over $50,000 in 2024.
Every time you practice, you learn more.
Do we need a H4 option?
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Music’s Healing Power Craig's eyes light up when he describes the transformative power of music he witnessed in his parents' memory care unit. "Whenever music was played, it made everyone smile; almost as if it brought them to life," he remembers. This observation sparked a unique vision: supporting both Canadian musicians and those living with Alzheimer's disease. "Musicians are a big part of what makes our world a better place," Craig emphasizes, noting how these artists often struggle to make ends meet in today's digital age.
At Alzheimer Calgary, we are profoundly moved by Craig's dedication and generosity. His support enables us to fulfill our mission of helping people impacted by dementia to live well, while building community capacity to support them. Craig's story reminds us that anyone can create hope and change. He didn’t set out to become an advocate for Alzheimer’s support; it is his lived experience that drives his actions to create hope and change for families facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.
Stay tuned for details of the 2025 Ride to Remember. "Whenever music was played, it made everyone smile; almost as if it brought them to life” tHE PERSONAL JOURNEY Craig's voice softens as he recalls watching both his parents battle Alzheimer's disease, the pain still evident in his words. Like many family members thrust into a caregiving role, Craig found himself overwhelmed and searching for answers. "I had no idea how to best support them," he reflects. "Alzheimer Calgary can provide people like me with the resources and support we need – something I wish I'd known sooner." MUSIC’S HEALING POWER Craig's commitment to community building runs deep. "When people from different worlds come together around a common purpose of giving, they can have a great time together," he explains with infectious enthusiasm. "The world needs more of that – to celebrate our commonalities rather than fight over our differences."
His love for Calgary shines through in every initiative he supports. The vision of a vibrant, supportive community drives his philanthropic work. As he simply yet powerfully states, "When you invest in your community, it makes it a richer place to live." building community For those seeking to make a difference, Craig offers heartfelt advice: "Find your own community as a way to make this world a better place. I found mine through music and the different causes we support through sport, mental health and better societal health." His voice grows more urgent as he continues, "Those are the things I care deeply about and I want the world to know about organizations like Alzheimer Calgary, who ultimately make life better for so many. It's not simply an issue of relevance, it's an absolute necessity."
Dr. Al Power is coming to Calgary
Looking for a little more hope and optimism? Please join us for an inspirational, thought-provoking evening featuring a globally renowned speaker and author.
Dr. Al Power advocates for truly inclusive communities and enhancing the well-being of people living with dementia.
We’ll explore what it means to integrate people living with dementia more fully, maintaining identity, purpose and community connection. Everyone is welcome.
Mix your color marbly don't mix it dead. I was blessed with a very steady hand; and it comes in very handy when you're doing these little delicate things. Paint anything you want on the canvas. Create your own world. I'm going to mix up a little color. We’ll use Van Dyke Brown, Permanent Red, and a little bit of Prussian Blue. Use absolutely no pressure. Just like an angel's wing. We spend so much of our life looking - but never seeing.
Strategic Priorities
- Advocacy
- System navigation
- Improving early diagnosis, detection, initial
- intervention & support
- Expanding public awareness/stigma reduction
- Dementia-inclusive communities
National Volunteer Week
April 27-May 4
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“I was searching for a miracle and i got even more in my support group. I had to learn to become a full-time caregiver. my Support Group taught me. Now I'm implementing it in my world.”
— Barry
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Deadlights jack lad schooner scallywag dance the hempen jig carouser broadside cable strike colors. Bring a spring upon her cable holystone blow the man down spanker Shiver me timbers to go on account lookout wherry doubloon chase. Belay yo-ho-ho keelhaul squiffy black spot yardarm spyglass sheet transom heave to.
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A Fresh Spin on Support Groups
We start with a vision in our heart, and we put it on canvas. You can do anything your heart can imagine. It's life. It's interesting. It's fun. Clouds are free they come and go as they please. The only thing worse than yellow snow is green snow.
Topics Covered:
- Understanding Dementia
- Communication strategies
- Daily care and safety
- Legal and financial planning
- Managing stress and avoiding burnout
- Building a support network and future planning
Program Goals:
- A Safe & supportive space
- Reduction of Isolation & Stigma
- Understanding of Dementia Care
Only eight colors that you need. Clouds are free. They just float around the sky all day and have fun. Don't fight it, use what happens.
Every time you practice, you learn more. There isn't a rule. You just practice and find out which way works best for you. Be so very light. Be a gentle whisper. A thin paint will stick to a thick paint. You are only limited by your imagination.
Give him a friend, we forget the trees get lonely too. Painting should do one thing. It should put happiness in your heart. A fan brush can be your best friend. All you need is a dream in your heart, and an almighty knife. Isn't it great to do something you can't fail at?
Now it's beginning to make a little sense. Talk to trees, look at the birds. Whatever it takes. Only God can make a tree - but you can paint one. This present moment is perfect simply due to the fact you're experiencing it. Trees live in your fan brush, but you have to scare them out. We need dark in order to show light.
Of course he's a happy little stone, cause we don't have any other kind. Only think about one thing at a time. Don't get greedy. You can spend all day playing with mountains. That's a crooked tree. We'll send him to Washington. We'll throw some old gray clouds in here just sneaking around and having fun. It's a very cold picture, I may have to go get my coat. It’s about to freeze me to death.