The challenge of the climb and the challenge to raise money for the Alzheimer Society were irresistible. It was also personal.

Doug, married and a father of three, had a grandmother with dementia. Then, a few years ago, his only living aunt was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. "My aunt is an amazing person. All her life she has been very active, walking, golfing, traveling the world and enjoying life," Doug laments. "But for Maureen, her everyday life is changing and is getting tougher as she tries to cope with this degenerative disease." If it wasn't for the support of her good friends and family, Doug says that Maureen's days would seem endless and lonely.

The West Vancouver resident feels Ascent is an excellent way to help the Alzheimer Society increase public awareness of Alzheimer's disease, and assist in raising funds for the much needed research and programs the Society supports.

"I have to admit, I was extremely surprised to find out how little our government supports the Alzheimer Society in its core operational funding. This challenge is a great way to get more people involved in helping out."

Jeff Brown
Jeff Brown's trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro started as a simple cheque-writing exercise. Browsing through the Alzheimer Society Web site to find contact information to make a donation, he discovered the Ascent for Alzheimer's page, and presto! he was suddenly planning to be on a mountain.

"This immediately struck me as something I'd love to do," says the Atlin-based helicopter pilot. "I contacted the office right away and was on the 2004 team within a week."

Jeff has experienced first-hand the cruelness of Alzheimer's, having lost two grandparents to the disease. He has dedicated his climb to the memory of grandparents Wes and Joan, as well as to his parents who were both remarkably brave during those difficult times.

Jeff says he wants to do more than simply donate, and this is the perfect avenue. His goal is to raise as much awareness about Alzheimer's disease, and raise funds to support research and the work of the Alzheimer Society.

Joanne Duyker
Joanne Duyker, a Special Needs Assistant at Carisbrooke School, North Vancouver, loves a challenge. She's also into teamwork, and four years ago on a trek to the top of San Peaks at the head of Princess Louise Inlet, she discovered she loves to climb.

"On the Ascent for Alzheimer's, I'm looking forward to being part of a new team - this time, one with a purpose," says Joanne. "I'm excited about stretching myself emotionally and physically, and I can hardly wait to experience the beauty of Africa."

Joanne heard about Ascent from two sources: Ascent 2003 participant Joan McEwen, whose stepdaughter is married to her son, and from Lorraine Conn, another of this year's participants. Lorraine was on the Sun Peaks trip with Joanne, so the two of them will be teammates again.

Joanne hopes to influence people in her community by demonstrating, that with discipline and training, anyone can be a part of Ascent and can help fight Alzheimer's disease.

Bob Hastings
For Bob Hastings, participating in Ascent for Alzheimer's is the next logical step in his ongoing support of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. He's been contributing financially and volunteering since 1986.

When the Society's Volunteer President Sandy Riley told him about Ascent at a volunteer/donor appreciation breakfast last December, he became interested. After viewing a slide show about Ascent, he decided to join. But not alone. Bob, a Financial Analyst with Canaccord Corporation, mentioned it to his colleague Doug Bell at Raymond James Ltd., and now Doug is going too.

"My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about 25 years ago, and passed away in 1994. Mom was pretty worn out after looking after Dad for over 10 years and then was hit with Parkinson's disease and eventually dementia. She just died last November."

The West Vancouver resident wants to help raise money to help the Society in its mission to find the causes and cures. Plus, he says, while the journey may be challenging, it helps him meet a worthwhile, personal goal.

Heather Maclean
Vancouver-based realtor Heather MacLean is climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro as a gift to her mom. Participating in Ascent for Alzheimer's is something she's considered on and off for the past couple of years, but the timing was not right. Now it is.

"There are times in our lives when we know we have to do something and this is something that I feel very passionate about," says Heather. "It's my turn, and this is my way of contributing and giving back to the Alzheimer Society that so desperately needs funding."

For the past eight years, Heather and her siblings have struggled as their mom progressed from one stage of this devastating disease to the next. "This disease has personally touched me as my Mother has been suffering with Alzheimer's for the past eight years, so I have seen the different stages that people with Alzheimer's travel through, and how this affects family members and caregivers."

Heather is so committed in her quest to raise $10,000, that she organized write-ups about Ascent that appeared in two editions of the Real Estate Weekly newspaper and has further information on her personal Web site. For more information on Heather's story, or to help her reach her $10,000 fundraising goal, visit her Web site at www.heathermaclean.ca.

Kathy Powroznik
Kathy Powroznik's initiation into the world of Alzheimer's came first through a friend and colleague at work whose mother had developed the disease, and then later in her own family circle.

As the primary caregiver, Kathy's friend not only saw her mom's condition deteriorate, but she also feared that she was looking into her own future. Later, Kathy's mother-in-law developed dementia during the last few years of her life. Kathy and her husband never knew from visit-to-visit if she would remember who they were. She has realized that this relatively little-publicized disease will continue to touch her life in many ways. This has motivated her to help raise awareness of Alzheimer's, and the ongoing need for donations to support not only research but also those families impacted by this disease.

"I hope by participating in Ascent for Alzheimer's that I will help raise awareness of Alzheimer's as a disease that touches us all, directly or indirectly, at some time in our lives," says Kathy, a retired speech-language pathologist living in West Vancouver. "And I'd like to raise a great deal of money for Alzheimer's research."

Jeff Smyth and Cheryl Smyth
Jeff and Cheryl Smyth plan to combine their passion for adventure and travel and a life-long ambition to journey to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro with the opportunity to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer's and related dementias.

"We have seen first hand, through Jeff's grandfather, the impact that a dementia-related disease has on an individual and the family, and we want to do something to help," says Cheryl, who is a professional ecologist.

The Vancouver residents first heard about Ascent for Alzheimer's from their friends, Ascent 2003 participants Chris and Johanna Oosthuizen. After seeing photographs and hearing from the Oosthuizens, they were hooked.

"If we can contribute to the further understanding and treatment of such a debilitating disease, then we feel that we have made small steps towards increased awareness and understanding of a disease that will continue to impact our lives" say Jeff, the Branch Manager of RBC Dominion Securities in Kerrisdale.

A resident of Brantford, Ontario, Sue is the Coordinator of Volunteers for Wellington Terrace Long Term Care Facility. Through past work experiences she has developed programs for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia in a day program and respite setting. She has also worked for the Alzheimer Society of Oxford, Ontario, to support persons with Alzheimer Disease and related dementias and their families and assisted in further developing their Volunteer Companion Program. And, in conjunction with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, she has helped to develop program policies. As a volunteer, Sue sits on the Board of the Alzheimer Society of Kitchener-Waterloo and is assisting them with fundraising developments to greater improve services.

Sue's inspiration has been her grandmother, a dynamic woman who never asked "Why?", but often asked "Why not?" of those around her. Through her grandmother's experience with dementia, Sue has come to personally understand this complex and difficult journey.

"It was through the guidance and love of my grandmother that I was drawn to the field of gerontology. Her challenges with dementia strengthened my need to assist those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia," Sue says.

"I consider myself very fortunate to have had such a strong role model in my life, and I know that the values my grandmother instilled upon me come through in my decisions and my never-ending search to answer 'Why not'."

Participating in Ascent is another way Sue has chosen to assist the fight this disease. "It is the knowledge that through research, one day, wonderful people like my grandmother will no longer have to live with the effects of this disease."

Janice Cole
Janice Cole is a schoolteacher who wants to make a difference inside and outside the classroom. She loves travel, adventure and trying new things. "If there is something I haven't tried, I probably will when I hear about it," she says with a laugh.

When she isn't teaching ESL to children in Grades 3 to 7 at Marlborough Elementary School in Burnaby, she's working with children and teenagers aboard Princess Cruise ships helping organize programs for the young passengers.

Janice says the idea of trekking to the top of Africa's highest peak is personally daunting, but also very worthwhile. She relates Ascent for Alzheimer's to the mountainous struggle facing those affected by this disease.

"The most amazing thing about this trip is the sharing of stories that I'm experiencing," Janice says. "When I start to tell my friends and colleagues that I'm going, so many of them immediately start telling me their personal experiences with Alzheimer's. I had no idea it would be like this."

Alzheimer's disease has impacted Janice both directly and indirectly. Two of her uncles have faced this debilitating condition. One has since passed away, and one is living in a care facility. And two of Janice's long-time friends have each lost their fathers to Alzheimer's.

"I'm healthy and motivated, and I feel confident that my contribution will make a difference," says the teacher. "I hope that my efforts will not only increase public awareness about Alzheimer's disease, but also increase support for the work the Alzheimer Society is doing."

Janice has been working hard to reach her $10,000 fundraising goal, and has developed her own Web site at www.kili.ca to share her story and her passion for this journey.

Lorraine Conn
Lorraine doesn't have a direct family association with Alzheimer's disease, but she says she doesn't have to look far to know people who do, and she's proud to be supporting this very worthwhile cause in her own small way.

The North Vancouver Administration Assistant first heard of Ascent for Alzheimer's through media coverage over the last few years, but was hooked after a friend participated in a similar event. "Her enthusiasm about the climb was exactly what I was looking for...an adventure with a cause," Lorraine says. Already an experienced climber, having ascended Sun Peaks at the head of Princess Louise Inlet four years ago, Lorraine was intrigued by the unique concept of climbing a mountain to fundraise.

"There could be no greater challenge than standing at the bottom of a 19,380 foot mountain knowing you are going to get to the top one step at a time with the support of your porters, guides and fellow team-members. People that are diagnosed with Alzheimer's must have that same feeling. Everyday is just one step at a time, putting your trust in family members and caregivers to help you meet the uncertainty ahead".

"I enjoy establishing personal challenges for myself, and I also enjoy giving something back to my community," she says. "Ascent for Alzheimer's is a perfect blend of these two. It offers a distinct mental and physical challenge which I know will stretch me, and at the same time, allows me to support a very worthwhile cause through my efforts."

Lorraine hopes that she will be able to use her fundraising efforts to increase the awareness of Alzheimer's to her direct circle of family, friends and associates, and at the same time, hopefully provide some inspiration for others who may follow in her footsteps.

Brian Follett
Although Brian Follett was aware of the Ascent through media stories, it was good friend Patrick Furlong, who is on the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Board of Directors, that brought the possibilities to light and got Brian involved. Pat and Brian are planning to make the climb together.

For Brian, President of the advertising and marketing consulting firm Brian Follett & Associates Ltd., the trek up Mount Kilimanjaro is the experience of a lifetime. He's excited about the challenges and demands of reaching the 19,300-foot summit and is looking forward to the new experiences that will come from his time in Africa.

But more importantly, Brian is excited about the opportunity the Ascent gives him to help the Alzheimer Society of B.C. by bringing to the attention of his family, friends and clients all the good work that the Society does.

"I have witnessed the dedication and commitment of the staff and volunteers who provide the services of the organization and the assistance they bring to families who are forced to deal with the ravages of this dreadful disease," says the North Vancouver resident. "I know a number of people and their families who are dealing with the challenges and the emotions that are created by Alzheimer's. I want to do my part to help ensure that the future holds more hope for those who are dealing with it."

Brian is seeking the support of his friends, colleagues and clients in his efforts to raise $10,000, and he tells everyone who asks: "The funds raised and the awareness that comes from this journey will help provide more quality years of life for those with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, and help contribute to the efforts that will eventually find a cure."

Patrick J. Furlong
Pat Furlong is planning a very special birthday celebration this October. When the North Vancouver resident turns 62, he will be somewhere up the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, hoping the lighter air won't affect the candles on his cake (he is getting a cake, right?).

As a member of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Board of Directors since May 2000, and an active volunteer on three of the Society's committees, Pat had heard the stories about Ascent from other board members who had made the trek, or who were planning the next trip in support of the Society.

He got the bug.

"The personal challenge of hiking up a major mountain, coupled with the chance to visit Africa for the first time were big contributors to my decision to go," says the Lawyer/Partner of Vancouver-based firm Davis & Company. "But the chance to fundraise for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. was the real motivator."

Like his participation on the Society's Board, Pat expects his climb will help make a difference to people and families affected by dementia.

Gord and Jean Lyster
For Port Coquitlam's Gordon and Jean Lyster, raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer's disease is a family affair. Jean's mom and Gordon's dad both have Alzheimer's, and all members of both families are feeling the effects.

"The worst part is the struggle with not being able to do anything - not being able to help," says Gordon, who is co-owner of three Vancouver-based companies: Northern Athletic, Future Fundraising and Lysco Holdings. "Ascent for Alzheimer's gives me something tangible to contribute, something to do. Not only am I going to raise awareness, I'm aiming to raise $20,000."

Jean agrees with her husband and is looking forward to making the climb with him.

"I first heard about Ascent the year Premier Gordon Campbell and his family did it, and I've seen other articles about different participants over the years," the Coquitlam schoolteacher says. "I felt I wanted to be part of a group that is doing something tangible. It will give me a sense of accomplishment."

On the surface, the duo is participating in Ascent to raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. But, according to Gordon, another reason they're going is to give the rest of the family an opportunity to decrease their sense of helplessness. "We'll be the ones on the trip, but we won't be alone. Our kids, my mom, brothers and sisters and their families will all be with us in spirit," Gordon explains.

Dr. Lynne Mitchell-Pedersen
Lynne Mitchell-Pedersen is a Winnipeg psychotherapist whose interest in participating in Ascent for Alzheimer's is both personal and professional. While appealing to Lynne's personal sense of adventure, the climb also reinforces her understanding of the need for increased awareness of Alzheimer's.

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Gerontological Nursing for many years, she has worked with patients, families and health-care staff developing an understanding and empathy for the challenges they face. In addition, some of Lynne's aunts and uncles suffered multi-infarct dementia.

For Lynne, the climb is keeping her personal sense of adventure high, and is proving to be an adventure in community building as well. Members of both the Manitoba and the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Associations are being highly supportive in Lynne's fundraising campaign.

Lynne hopes that her participation will help support work to find the causes and cure for Alzheimer's.

Lyndsay Prentice
Lyndsay Prentice has been touched by Alzheimer's disease, but in an unlikely way.

Lyndsay is a representative for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, working in the health-care field with physicians who are developing treatment options for people living with Alzheimer's. She's also spent time in nursing homes and has been witness to the devastating effects of this disease - especially for those in the more advanced stages.

"Unfortunately, there are still misconceptions and a lack of awareness about the disease in the general public. This serves as a barrier to people fully utilizing the resources that are available to them," Lyndsay says.

Learning about Ascent for Alzheimer's while surfing the Alzheimer Society Web site, Lyndsay called and was told there was still a spot available on this year's team. "I knew immediately that this was something that I had to do," the Vancouver resident says.

Lyndsay, who has been volunteering since age 15, says she has a strong belief that people can make a difference. "I have always made it a point to be involved in some way with an organization whose mandate I fully support."

She hopes that by participating on this journey, she can help raise awareness and reduce the fear and stigma often associated with this disease.

"Until there is a cure, we can only work with what we have available to us - current therapies, and organizations such as the Alzheimer Society."