“Never retire from life”

This year, as the August blue moon was about to emerge overhead, Ash Abhyankar’s sister Malti tied a red bracelet around his wrist. The tradition is at the heart of Rakhi, a Hindu festival to celebrate the bond between family members – siblings in particular. Sisters will tie sacred thread on their brothers to symbolize the love and protection between them. Brothers, in turn, promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts. For Ash, the sacred thread held the weight of being Malti’s primary caregiver on the dementia journey, along with a lifetime of love and protection.

Malti received a traumatic brain injury as a toddler in India and has lived with cognitive impairment throughout her life. Ash, four years her senior, grew up looking out for his sister. After their parents passed away in 2011, Malti made the move from India to Vancouver to be under the care of Ash and their three very loving siblings.

On Sunday, September 24, Ash will be participating in the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s Climb for Alzheimer’s to support other families affected by dementia. At 80, Ash has lost an uncle, aunt, brother-in-law and many dear friends to dementia, including his best friend of 40 years, Clark. Clark’s passing motivated Ash to start fundraising for the Society and encouraging others to access resources nine years ago. With more than $14,000 raised over the past 30 days, he is by far the top fundraiser for the Climb in the province.

The Climb for Alzheimer’s is an opportunity to show people affected by dementia they’re not alone on what can be an uphill journey by courageously hiking Grouse Mountain or participating in the Summit Stroll at its peak. Funds support the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s resources for people facing dementia, including caregiver support groups, which Ash urges caregivers to access.

“Caregiving involves a team effort,” says Ash, who has rallied a team of his colleagues to participate in the Climb alongside him. “Go to monthly group meetings to learn from others as to how to deal with issues or reactions since they change monthly – and stay healthy and active, both mentally and physically.”

Beyond encouraging caregivers to access Society services, the devoted fundraiser hopes to inspire people in the broader community to step up and help others by donating, volunteering or offering support to the caregivers in their lives.

“Never retire from life,” says Ash, also not yet retired from his career. “I hope everyone in the last quarter of their life can enjoy being part of this continuous learning and contributing journey that has no end. And when the end comes, be content knowing one has done everything they can to learn and contribute.”