On May 5, Kingborough local Ryan Jones will lace up his running shoes to participate in the Australia Dementia Memory Walk and Jog, tackling a 10 kilometre route alongside his family.
Ryan and his family have joined forces to raise awareness and funds for dementia research and support services for the families and carers.
Despite the absence of a local event in Tasmania, Ryan, his wife Sarah, daughter Amy and other family members have committed to participating in the Melbourne Dementia Memory Walk and Jog event, one of 22 such events across Australia.
Seven years ago, Ryan’s mother Libby was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 57.
The diagnosis sent shockwaves through their family, altering the vibrant life Libby once led as a dedicated teacher, loving mother and devoted grandmother.
Libby is one of the staggering two out of three individuals in Australia affected by a form of dementia.
This debilitating disease ravages the mind, robbing individuals of their memories and identities and eventually controlling their bodies.
For Ryan and his family, witnessing the transformation of his mother has been heartbreaking, knowing that their children and other grandchildren will never fully experience the essence of the woman Libby once was.
As Ryan, Sarah and the whole family gear up for the challenge ahead, they invite the community to show their support.
The Memory Walk and Jog is organised by Dementia Australia, the national peak body for people impacted by dementia.
They represent over 400,000 Australians living with dementia and the almost 1.5 million Australians involved in their care.
