Joan’s Jiggers: Lacing Up to Pave the Way

MW 2017_Joan's Jiggers_from ShaneShane Hintz laces up his sneakers each year and walks for his grandmother, Joan, who lived with dementia until she passed away in 2014. He and his wife, Derna, whose grandmother also lived with dementia, have been participating in the Brandon or Winnipeg Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s since 2010. His two aunts, Julie and Kathy, became team members five years ago, followed by Shane’s two kids, and since then, many more family members have joined. They have dubbed themselves “Joan’s Jiggers.”

“Our Grandma was very compassionate and loving. She worked hard for her family and would do anything for anyone,” says Shane of his grandma.

“She loved cooking, baking, gardening and family gatherings. She is one of the main reasons I am who I am today.” For Shane’s aunt Julie, it’s important to walk
each year. “I participate because I don’t want to get this disease. I may not be able to save myself, but I sure as heck hope that I’ll be able to help save other  generations of family members,” she said.

Creative Fundraising

Julie found a creative way to raise funds for her team: she bakes and sells cinnamon buns in her hometown of Boissevain and in her new community of Redvers, Saskatchewan.

In her first year of this effort, she sold 152 dozen. Last year, she sold more than 200 dozen of her delicious delicacies, with all the proceeds going to the Walk. (Julie doesn’t take money for supplies.)

In addition to raising funds for a cause close to their hearts, the Walk brings Shane’s family together to remember a special lady. And every year, they take home new fond memories of the Walk.

A favourite memory for Shane’s wife, Derna, was seeing Shane receive a special award on behalf of the team. Last year, Joan’s Jiggers raised more than $7,000, earning them the “Friends and Family Extra Mile Award” presented by the Alzheimer Society.Shane Hintz - walk photo

For Shane, being able to walk with his wife and kids and seeing them participate in a good cause means a lot. “It’s really special to have them grow up and understand how wonderful their great grandmothers were,” he says.