From Toronto to New York
June 20, 2012
Benji Pister knows firsthand the affects Alzheimer’s disease can have on a loved one. His personal experience with this disease has inspired him to take action in honour of his late grandfather, Paul Pister. Paul lived with Alzheimer’s disease for the last three years of his life until passing away four years ago. “Having to deal with an Alzheimer’s patient is not fun, especially when you go to visit him and sometimes he doesn’t remember who you are or mistakes you for another family member,” Pister says (Shalom Life).
Benji has become a Memory Makers for Alzheimer’s champion and will be biking to New York City from his home in Thornhill, Ont., and has been raising donations in support of Alzheimer’s research. With his dad following in a chase vehicle, Benji will be setting out this August on an unforgettable 6-day journey. While the physical challenge of getting in shape to cycle for such a far distance, combined with the task of fundraising may seem daunting task to some, Benji insists that it is simply a matter of putting in the effort, something that his grandfather never hesitated to do for his family (Shalom Life). All his preparation will make him ready for the 900KM journey, it all starts with one kilometer at a time.
“My dream is that no family will ever go through the pain of having a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. My goal is to make that dream reality, and to start today!” – Benji
We wish Benji luck on his journey!
