I’m raising money in support of Baycrest by participating in the 2025 Mattamy Homes Bike For Brain Health.

The work of this organization is near and dear to my heart as my mom was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in the fall of 2022. At 51, she moved into an assisted living facility requiring around the clock care and lost the ability to speak months after her arrival. While my mom has experienced an insurmountable amount of change over the last 5 years, she is certainly thriving in this new chapter of life she finds herself in. She has made friends with nearly everyone at RiverRidge II and has proudly defended her title of Best Hugger. She’s been able to experience being an Amma (grandma in Icelandic), she’s still my number one fan despite her nonverbal state (“I love you” has turned into massive hugs and squeezes of the hand, and “it’s so good to see you” has turned into little hops and giggles. 

She’s a different version of the person she was 5 years ago, but she is still a person who loves fiercely and deeply. Organizations such as Baycrest allow people like my mom to uphold a quality life despite living with Alzheimer's and/or dementia.

In 2020, an estimated 564,000 Canadians were living with dementia. By 2031, that number is projected to climb to 937,000 Canadians living with dementia without intervention.

By making a donation, you are helping to make a difference in the critical work Baycrest is leading in dementia research, innovation, care and education globally.