Editor: The very first 91原创-Aldergrove-Abbotsford Walk for Memories blew all expectations out of the water, and for this the volunteer organizers have so many good people to thank.

The fundraiser for the was one of 24 Walks for Memories around the province on Sunday, Jan. 29. Pouring rain, gusting winds and a miserable chill in Aldergrove didn鈥檛 deter more than 200 people from turning out at the Athletic Park, where donations gradually rose to an amazing $42,000 and change. (The final total may be slightly higher.)

This achievement 鈥� the fourth-highest total, behind only walks in Vancouver, Kamloops and Surrey/White Rock 鈥� shows what a caring community can do when inspired by a brave honoree, Brenda Reddick. At age 51, she has early-onset Alzheimer鈥檚 disease. Brenda鈥檚 husband, Rick, is a Township assistant fire chief and firefighters rallied brilliantly to Brenda鈥檚 appeal.

So also did some wonderful students and teachers from local schools, area businesses, families experiencing the ravages of dementia 鈥� and 鈥渙rdinary鈥� individuals who heard about the fundraiser and wanted to help.

Alzheimer鈥檚 and other dementia already affect more than 70,000 individuals and families in B.C. and, with baby boomers entering their senior years, this toll, sadly, is likely to rise. As yet, there is no cure.

Thanks to the contributions of hundreds of caring Fraser Valley residents, there is now more money to support victims of dementia.

There is now more money for research into dementia prevention and cure. The dozens of students who volunteered so enthusiastically for this event may one day see a world without dementia.

Thank you, on behalf of the 2012 local Walk for Memories volunteer committee (Amery Ai, Colin Buckoke, Bruce Farquhar, Marilyn Fischer, Sue Hull, Karen Long, Thanh Ma, Susan O鈥橬eill, Rose Puszka, Rob Ruggles, Christina Strong, Brian Zeiner), and others who gave their time and energy to help create this event from scratch.

Janet Ingram-Johnson,

volunteer chair