A Coquitlam artist who struggled with Alzheimer's disease during his final years will be honoured next month during the Tri-Cities Walk for Alzheimer's.
Douglas Charles was a well-known local painter and interior designer who was a member of the Port Moody Art Club and the Dogwood Art Club. His partner, Liz Thunstrom, said she hopes the recognition will provide comfort to other families with loved ones who have Alzheimer's.
"The family were extremely honoured, it was a surprise to us," said Thunstrom, noting the walk is an important event for raising funds for programs that support families.
"It's about increasing awareness that anybody can get this disease at any time. There is no way you can prevent it but there are supports there for everybody that help you get though it. It doesn't make it better, but it helps you cope," Thunstrom said.
When she and Charles first learned of the diagnosis, they were devastated. "You feel so alone," said Thunstrom.
But through various Alzheimer Society of BC programs, such as Shaping the Journey and the Cameron Early Stage Group, the couple found friends and support.
"It was important to us that people didn't just shut us out once Doug was diagnosed," she said. "Friends, families and neighbors were still very supportive. That made a huge difference."
In fact, some friends and family will be joining Thunstrom as she takes part in the 2016 Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer's on May 1 in Port Coquitlam. It starts at noon with registration at the Hyde Creek rec centre and walkers taking a stroll along the Traboulay PoCo Trail from 1 to 3 p.m.
For more information about the walk, to register as an individual as a team, visit www.alzheimerbc.org and click on Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer's and select Tri-Cities and Ridge Meadows.
