The Montreal Canadiens Legends and Alzheimer’s: Testimonial by Denis, Son of Henri Richard

Welcome to the Alzheimer Society of Montreal Blog!

Edition #10

August 2021

Author :

DENIS RICHARD

Son of Henri Richard, the “Pocket Rocket”

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Discover the stories of the Montreal Canadiens Legends who also deal with Alzheimer’s disease or another neurocognitive disorder.

Everyone knows my father. He won 11 Stanley Cups as a player and as the captain of the Montreal Canadiens. Does the name Henri Richard, the “Pocket Rocket” ring a bell?

Now, my father does not remember a thing. He doesn’t even recognize me.

My father tried to ignore the symptoms of the disease when they first appeared. He had always been a true fighter and nothing scared him when he jumped on the ice. Unfortunately, being fearless isn’t enough when faced with Alzheimer’s disease.

This terrible journey started with some unusual actions and sudden anxiety attacks. These were not a regular occurrence, but they began to happen more and more often. Eventually, my mother realized that my father was forgetting all sorts of things.

My father was not a big talker and he did not really show his emotions. One day, my mother found him alone in tears because he was becoming aware of what was happening to him. Little by little, he lost everything: his driver’s license, his personality, his autonomy, his love and his memory.

My parents have known each other since the age of 6. It was very painful for my mother when it became clear that my father would have to leave the house for good. Much more than spouses, they were best friends and life-long companions.

My father does remember us sometimes for a split second. But these short moments aren’t enough to sooth our broken hearts. Fortunately for us, his personality and achievements survive in your memories as well as ours.

My father’s story is one of many. Help us build hope for the hundreds of thousands of Canadians affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

This is why your donations to the Alzheimer Society of Montreal are so important. They allow the Society to offer high quality services to people living with neurocognitive disorders and their caregivers through a person-centred approach. Thanks to you, over 33,000 Montrealers living with dementia and their caregivers will have the opportunity to access support in their journey.

Support us today so that we can offer help to families affected by this terrible disease.

Sincerely yours,

Denis Richard

P.S. Your donation helps to build hope for those who don’t even remember what it means.

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