Dad's Illness inspires 65K run

"His father receives in-home care twice a week and attends day programs at the Alzheimer Society. Uszynski said he hopes to raise $20,000 that will help support those two programs and other educational initiatives and services at the Alzheimer Society. Sally Bennett Politidis, executive director, said Uszynski's efforts will go a long way to support the organization, which serves about 6,000 people a year. Uszynski is recruiting runners to join him for five to 10 kilometer loops, or the full 65 kilometers, which is expected to take about seven hours. Cross-country teams from five high schools throughout the county are also scheduled to meet up with Uszynski for portions of his run. In addition to support from the Alzheimer Society, Uszynski said there is one special caregiver in his father's life. "My mother is the real hero," he said. "She always keeps his mind active and that's what's prolonged his life for so many years." To donate or register for the run, visit www.alzheimerwindsor.com
or call 519-736-4999.

Chris Uszynski frequently makes the drive from Amherstburg to Belle River to visit friends and family. "I always tell my wife that one day it'll be nice to run this," he said. At the end of September, the Amherstburg native will finally get his chance to make the 65 kilometer trek. But Uszynski won't just be running for the scenery, he'll also be honouring World Alzheimer Awareness Day. On Sept. 21, Uszynski will lead a cross county run to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex County. Uszynski's father, Edmund, has lived with the disease for the past 15 years. And he attributed his dad's longevity to caregivers, both within the family and from the Alzheimer Society. "It's those caregivers that give absolutely everything they've got," said Uszynski. "They're like a silent hero that doesn't get the recognition they deserve.