Loftus’ Genevieve Steiner is set to take part in Sydney’s Memory Walk and Jog event – in memory of her late grand father who suffered from dementia.
The event is being held to raise money for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, who hope to raise $300,000.
Ms Steiner will take part in the event, which includes a 2km and 7km option, to be held in Penrith on Sunday, March 12.
Her late grand father suffered from dementia as well as her father-in-law.
“It feels as though dementia has been part of my life for a very long time,” she said.
“My grand father passed away in 2013 following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
“He was 88 years old when he was diagnosed, and passed away aged 89, following a rapid decline.
“In an entirely different set of circumstances, my father-in-law was diagnosed with younger onset dementia in 2014, aged just 63.”
She said it was tough for her family, but life doesn’t stop with a diagnosis of dementia.
“There are so many things you can do to continue to live well.”
In 2017, Alzheimer’s Australia will hold 18 Memory Walk and Jog events around the country to raise funds to support people with dementia, their families and carers, and help promote brain health and healthy lifestyles to all Australians.
All courses are wheelchair accessible and there are different distances to choose from, depending on your age and fitness level.
For more information, or to register, click here.
An estimated 353,800 people have dementia in Australia.
