A “from the heart” post from our reader!
For the past 11 years, I have been a full-time, live-in caregiver for my beloved mother, Nazneen (Naz). At the same time, I’ve had the privilege of working in the sports and entertainment industry for over 25 years.
In 2014, my mother suffered multiple undetected strokes, which led to a rapid decline in her health. Unfortunately, as many of you know, strokes are not reversible. Early detection and treatment are crucial to avoid additional complications. In our case, the healthcare system failed us. By the time we secured an appointment with a neurologist, the doctors gave us little hope. Although healthcare is universally covered in Canada, the long wait times in our situation were detrimental.
Determined to give my mother the best life possible, I made the decision to keep her at home where she could feel happy, safe, and loved. I believe it is our duty to care for those who once cared for us.
Inspired by the values of our late Imam, Aga Khan IV Shah Karim—who was deeply committed to supporting the elderly—I set out to ensure my mother could still experience the world. Having spent my career traveling, I knew how therapeutic it could be, and I wanted her to share in that joy.
Together, my mother and I have traveled extensively. We explored eastern and western Canada by road and ventured internationally to the Bahamas, Paris, Rome, Dubai, the Maldives, and Lisbon. In the U.S., we’ve enjoyed time in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, and regularly visit Chicago and New York City to attend the Rita Hayworth Gala, which we’ve supported since 2017.
When we met Princess Yasmin Aga Khan in 2018 in the Hamptons, New York, she expressed her hope for support from the younger generation. I shared my background in sports and entertainment and pledged to assist her by contributing to the gala’s silent auction. While I had previously declined some requests to donate to various charitable events, I became determined to support the Alzheimer’s Association USA. Together, we share the vision of living in a world without Alzheimer’s.
Caregiving is far from easy. It demands self-reliance and unwavering focus, even as people often distance themselves during vulnerable times. My approach has always been to focus on the positives. Thankfully, in our case, Alzheimer’s disease has not caused my mother pain.
If you search online, you’ll read that life expectancy after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is 4 to 10 years. I am grateful and proud that we have surpassed those expectations. Much of this success comes from a dedicated routine emphasizing three pillars: diet, exercise, and sleep — preventative measures that benefit us all as we age. We also persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic with this approach.
My relationship with Princess Yasmin Aga Khan is one I cherish deeply. Her leadership inspires me to be the best caregiver I can be.
I’m very much looking forward to attending this year’s Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala on Saturday, May 10, 2025. It’s an event my mother eagerly anticipates—we mark it on our calendar each year, and I always buy her a new dress for the occasion.
This year’s Gala Co-Chairs are Rosemin and Ebrahim Valliani, recently appointed members of the Chicago Gala Steering Committee. I also look forward to reconnecting with Sadruddin Noorani, a Steering committee member of 30 years, whose family graciously welcomes us to Chicago annually and whose guidance I appreciate immensely.
The silent auction this year will feature remarkable items, including a purple guitar autographed by Taylor Swift. I have also secured items from Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts; Washington Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin, who recently became the NHL’s all-time regular season goal-scoring leader (April 6, 2025); and Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Champion Shohei Ohtani.
And ladies — don’t worry — I’ve included items from Coach so everyone can enjoy bidding!
Two of the most notable contributions come from Lionel Messi, who signed a 2022 FIFA World Cup Argentina jersey with the inscription “To #endalz with love,” and Tom Brady, who autographed a football with #endalz.
Over the years, I’ve proudly donated auction items from iconic athletes, including:
Major League Baseball (MLB)
- Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)
- Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Major League Soccer (MLS) Soccer
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF / PSG – Paris Saint Germain FC / Barcelona FC / Argentina National Team)
National Basketball Association (NBA)
- Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
National Football League (NFL)
- Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Tom Brady (New England Patriots / Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
National Hockey League (NHL)
- Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)
- Jonathan Toews & Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings / New York Rangers)
- Mike Richter & Kevin Shattenkirk (New York Rangers)
Looking ahead, I have big ideas in the works. I will continue to advocate alongside my mother and work to make a positive impact in the fight against this devastating disease.
If you would like to follow our caregiving journey, please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.
I am proud to share that this year’s Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala is sold out. However, you can still support the cause by making a donation or participating in the silent auction using the links below:
My Fundraising Page Donate Here
Thank you for standing with us in this important fight.
Warmly,
Inayat A. Dhalla
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Great work. Keep it up. I took care of my mother for 12 years before she passed.
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