Because You Give...

"My life is dedicated to her. It’s quite a change from retirement to this reality… but we’re getting through it."

- Rob Thomson, Debbie's Husband

When dementia touches your family, it feels like everything changes overnight.

When a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis, fear, uncertainty, and questions often take over: What do we do now? Who can help us? How will we manage?

Families do not have to take those next steps alone. Because of your gift today, we can ensure families in Muskoka and Parry Sound receive the care, education, and support they need when they need it most.

Meet Rob and Debbie

At the heart of this story is a promise: a commitment made in love, through sickness and in health.

For Rob and his wife, Debbie, life together has always been about family, laughter, and devotion. They’ve built a life rooted in connection, surrounded by the people and places they love most.

For forty years, they’ve shared life’s milestones and memories. Now, Rob continues to honour that love by being there for Debbie every step of the way through a new journey, showing what true commitment and compassion look like.

Watch the video to learn more about Rob and Debbie's Story.

When Dementia Arrives, So Does the Search for Help

For Rob and his wife, Debbie, the dementia diagnosis bought a flood of questions and emotions.

“At first, it was denial for both of us. But I think we both really wanted to grasp it quickly and understand. I immediately started looking into the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka… I just wanted to get information about what we should be doing to prepare.”

“Then came the hardest part: talking to our kids. We made three separate calls to our daughters and explained it to them. It was extremely emotional to say the least.”

Through it all, Rob has shown what it means to love fully and care without hesitation.

"With Debbie having Alzheimer’s, my life is dedicated to her - to visiting her and supporting her."

Photo of Debbie and grandchild sitting on the couch

Rob shares Debbie's journey with the dementia diagnosis.

The Power of Community Support

The Alzheimer Society of Muskoka helped Rob and Debbie find the answers they needed guiding them through each step of this new chapter, helping them stay connected, and reminding them that they are not alone.

“I honestly don’t know what we would do without these programs.
We learned from meeting both the patients and the caregivers. It helped us still feel part of the community.”

Every time a care partner like Rob reaches out, the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka is there offering care, resources, and community support.

Rob and Debbie’s journey is a reminder of what it means to have support and community.

Rob and Debbie took part in a variety of Alzheimer Society of Muskoka Programs.

When families ask their first difficult questions about dementia, we’re there to help them find answers.

And every answer we provide is only possible because you give.

Because of people like you, families across Muskoka and Parry Sound find hope, comfort, and connection when they need it most.