An honouree for the Walk for Alzheimer's said she feels kind of important.
Iris Vhal, 82, will be honoured during the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer's taking place Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Northern Sport Centre.
Vhal was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease about a decade ago and although there were some indicators, Vhal and her family really didn't start noticing much change until about a year ago.
"I did a couple of goofy things at the house," Vhal said.
So the decision was made to see Vhal enjoying the convenience and safety of being a resident in an assisted living seniors facility.
"I'm nosey-posey, I need to know everything," Vhal said, explaining the longevity of her high-functionality with dementia, which affects 1.1 million Canadians and about 70,000 people in B.C.
Vhal resides at the Two Rivers Seniors Lodge and said she eats well, and enjoys truly wonderful care.
It's a very sociable world Vhal lives in, especially as she enjoys one of her favourite activities - dancing with other residents when live entertainment is brought into the lodge.
"Staff here treats residents with the utmost respect," said Lanny Burton, Vhal's daughter.
Vhal enjoys the activities offered to her, like playing bingo.
"Prizes are mostly edibles," Vhal said. And for someone who loves chocolate that's always a good thing, she added.
Vhal enjoys gardening in spring and summer.
"They've got raised boxes and raspberries and strawberries," she said. "And the little Bentley dog is very sweet."
The Shih Tzu cross lives at the facility and all the residents benefit from his cuddly presence, Vhal said.
"He likes to sit on my knee and he'll jump up on my bed and ruffle up my blankets," Vhal said.
On any given Thursday Vhal can be found at the YMCA, participating in the Minds in Motion program offered in partnership with the local branch of the Alzheimer's Society that sees those diagnosed with the disease or any other form of dementia, along with a friend, family member or caregiver, attend to enjoy some exercise, games and a social with tea, coffee and cookies.
Vhal has a friendly competitive spirit so the bean bag toss can become quite lively at times.
As a longtime Prince George resident, Vhal raised six children, worked mostly in hospital administration for 30 years, and lived in the same house since 1963 right up until she moved to the seniors care home a year ago.
"Family does play a huge part in her life," said Burton. "There's just me and my sister (Mardeana Berg) here in town and we still work, so we try to spend as much time as possible with mom."
To honour Vhal, several out-of-town family members will join her two local daughters at the Walk for Alzheimer's, including daughter Cheryl from Toronto, son Randy from Kamloops, son Erwin from the Edmonton area and son Stuart from Abbotsford, along with many of their family members.
There will also be a bunch of friends from town who will come out in support as well, said Burton.
When Vhal heard that all these friends and family members will be in attendance she offered a typically cheeky response.
"I guess I better show up, eh?" she laughed.
Registration begins Sunday at the Northern Sport Centre at 1 p.m. The walk starts at 1:30.
To register for the local Walk for Alzheimer's go online to pgc.cc/2pG34Fx.
