Alzheimer’s awareness was the focus for Breakfast with Bob Wood Friday morning on Country 600 CKAT.

The radio roundtable at Syl’s Neighbourhood Kitchen was also a fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society of North Bay and Area.

Former broadcaster and MP Bob Wood has become a champion of the cause since his diagnosis.

“I said, you know Carol, nobody talks about this, it was like when cancer comes up, nobody talks about cancer, everybody is afraid to talk about it, well what the hell, it affects all kinds of people,” he says.

Wood says the ball got rolling with an appearance on longtime friend Peter Handley’s ‘Life Is’ show on YourTV North Bay.

Several special guests, including some of his broadcasting buddies joined Wood on today’s broadcast, with a number of special messages too, including one from former Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

“He was one of the best MP’s from that area for a long time, and now he’s still working, he’s associated with the Alzheimer Society, he has become the ambassador. He’s the type of guy who never gives up and I want to congratulate him and say merci beaucoup, Bob,” said Chretien.

There were plenty of stories, from a variety of radio escapades, to the RMCP employing a dishwasher at Bob’s restaurant (named Woody’s) to, of course, saving the base as the MP for Nipissing.

Donations to the Alzheimer Society can be made online or at their office in North Bay, which is located at 1164 Devonshire Avenue, suite 200.