This year’s Walk for Alzheimer’s honouree is being recognized not for her struggles with the devastating disease but for her tireless volunteer work in support of those affected by it.
For more than a decade Pauline Tadey gave freely of her time to do office work and organize special events until her own physical condition forced her to stop several years ago.
She first met Laurie Myres, support and education co-ordinator for the local chapter of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. in 1996 at a Parent Advisory Council meeting at the school their children attended.
“I was looking for somewhere to volunteer when we moved here in 1996 so when I met Laurie I thought, why not?” said Tadey, who along with husband Mike have a son and daughter. “I knew a little about the disease but I learned a lot more over the years. It’s absolutely terrible.
“I had a little bit of trouble at first but seeing how Laurie is with the families and those afflicted, it made me feel better knowing they were well taken care of. Laurie is amazing.”
For her part, Myres felt the same about her hard-working volunteer who chaired 10 walk and seven golf events over the years.
“Pauline is a very generous person, very people oriented and a super organizer,” said Myres. “She would just work for hours and hours on small details so everything would be just perfect for these events.
“She’s just a very caring person and the Alzheimer Society of B.C. was very fortunate to have her talents and energies directed our way. Hers are big shoes to fill and I don’t think ever will be filled.”
This year’s Investor’s Group Walk for Alzheimer’s is Sunday at the pavilion in Skaha Lake Park with registration at 1 p.m. and the walk starting at 2 p.m.
As it has for many years, the Summerland Health Auxiliary is kickstarting the campaign with a $10,000 donation.
“I think people should come out Sunday to help raise money and awareness about Alzheimer’s because some day there will be a cure and this will help,” said Tadey.