In Memory of My Grandma

In May 2026, I am participating in the Gordie Howe CARES Pro-Am. While I’ll be joining NHL Alumni on the ice for a weekend of hockey, it is to raise money for an important cause.

My Grandma lived an incredible life, reaching 96 and a half years old. She survived the Nazi occupation, the Soviet Union, moved a few countries and was the best person I know. Her final six years were shaped by the reality of dementia.

Dementia is more than just memory loss; it is a progressive "brain failure." It often begins with minor lapses in executive function, but as the disease spreads, it leads to deep confusion, personality changes, and a loss of physical independence. In its final stages, the brain eventually loses the ability to tell the body how to perform basic functions.

Watching her go through these stages was a reminder of the immense weight that falls on a family. 

Caregiving for a loved one with dementia is a relentless, 24/7 responsibility that takes a profound physical and emotional toll on those providing the support.

The Mission: Supporting the Caregivers

I am raising money for the Gordie Howe Center for Alzheimer's Research and Education. While medical research continues to look for a cure, this organization focuses on the families currently in the trenches.

Your donation provides the education, mental health resources, and practical support that families need when a loved one is affected by Alzheimer’s, dementia, and related dementia diseases. The goal is to ensure that no one has to navigate the complexities of this disease in isolation.

How You Can Help

I have set a goal to raise $5,000 in my Grandma’s memory. If you are able to contribute, please click the donate button on this page.

Every dollar stays in the community and goes directly toward helping families manage the daily realities of this disease. Thank you for your support.

Roman.