Please help in the fight against dementia

I am fundraising for Alzheimer's Australia to raise awareness and donations for further scientific research, in the hope of one day finding a cure for such a devastating disease.

Currently 244 Australians are diagnosed with dementia every day. This number is expected to increase to 318 Australians per day by 2025 and over 650 Australians per day by 2056. Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians, contributing to 5.4% of all deaths in males and 10.6% of all deaths in females each year.

When I was younger I volunteered at my mothers work for a number of years, a high care dementia ward at a nursing home. I would spend time with the patients, some times just sitting there holding their hand, wanting to let them know they weren't alone. I witnessed first hand the heartbreak and cruelty of this disease, I witnessed the confusion, anxiety and fear in its victims. Little did I know later in life I would have to witness all of this in someone who has always been my absolute world - my beautiful Ma.

5 or so years ago we found out Ma had been diagnosed with dementia. Dementia being hereditary, it wasn't a complete shock when Ma was diagnosed as her late brother was also a victim of this disease. After witnessing the affects of this disease in the patients at Mums work, I felt as though Mum and I were prepared for everything that was to come. But no matter how prepared any one thinks they are or how experienced and knowledgeable they are of the disease, nothing could ever prepare you for when your beautiful Ma doesn't recognise you anymore. Nothing can prepare you to see someone you love so dearly, so confused, scared and immensely anxious. Nothing can prepare you for the pain in your heart when your beautiful Ma is searching for her parents who passed decades ago, or when she breaks down sobbing as she genuinely thinks she is only just learning about their passing. Nothing can prepare you for when your grandma that you've always been so close with, asks who you are and how she knows you.

The emotions and heartbreak myself and my family are experiencing is nothing compared to what my beautiful Ma is going through. I hope none of you ever have to witness a loved one go through this but more importantly I hope none of you ever have your memory stolen from you.

Please, PLEASE - as much or as little as you can spare to donate, every cent makes a difference. We must act now and fight to find a cure for this incredibly cruel disease.