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Stand with me again Dementia!

Join me in supporting an amazing cause - the Memory Walk & Jog for 2025 on June 8th! Together, we can raise funds for Dementia Australia. Dementia Australia do amazing work in dementia research, providing care and support for those living with Dementia & their families, and educating people on what Dementia really looks like, and what people can do to help. Every step we take brings us closer to a future where Dementia is widely understood, managed, and ultimately; prevented!

Why I'm Taking Part

As I walk 5km this year, I am doing so to honour my beautiful mother Kerry, who was diagnosed with Younger Onset Alzheimer's in December of 2018. My Mum has been a source of strength and inspiration for our family throughout her journey with Dementia.  Her resilience fuels my commitment to this cause, and I hope my efforts will help change to conversation, challenge the stigma and offer hope for a brighter future.

Why is this so important?

Dementia is a disease that too often carries with it misunderstandings and stereotypes,  which lead to isolation for those living with the disease, and their families & carers. It's seen through a lens of loss, forgetfulness, and helplessness - but the truth is, the impact is far more complex. There is a critical need for greater advocacy and support for individuals with Dementia, to challenge the harmful stereotypes, and to foster a deeper understanding of what those living with the disease experience.

It is unfortunately common for people to shy away from talking about Dementia, perhaps being a difficult and uncomfortable topic. But that is precisely why we need to have more open dialogue about it. We break down these stigmas by having open and honest conversations, and promoting education abut Dementia. It creates empathy and understanding about the disease, and allows people to come together to work towards a creating dementia-friendly spaces, and allowing those living with Dementia feel heard, seen and dignified. 

How can you help?

- Donate: everyone contribution, no matter how big or small, helps. Your support will go directly to the initiatives that aim to change lives, support families, and create a better understanding and awareness of Dementia.

- Raise Awareness: Join me in advocating for those living with Dementia but sharing information (I recommend heading to Dementia Australia to find information to share), speaking up to break the stigma and stereotypes, and support initiatives like the Memory Walk & Jog. The more we spread the word, the stronger our collective impact. If you wish to join our team, Wares for Awareness, we would love you on board with us!

- Stay Informed: Educating yourself and others about Dementia, in its' various forms, can help raise awareness, especially in every day situations. Attend seminars, read books, or follow credible organisation to stay informed. The more we understand, the better we can support people living with Dementia & their families.

- Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the best way to help is by providing emotional support for those who are directly affected by Dementia. Evening just offering an listening ear can help ease the burden of isolation and loss that they face.

Whether you're able to walk, jog, or donate, every step you take support a cause that is so important, and so meaningful to me. Together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by Dementia and help create a world that honours their experiences, challenges stereotypes and fosters real change. 

Help me break down the stigma, start conversations, and say F you to Dementia!

Thanks for your support!