A family will walk in support of a much-loved member of their clan, and for other patients with dementia.
The Awad family of Cronulla is participating in the upcoming Dementia Australia Memory Walk and Jog, for Maria, who was diagnosed with the condition 18 months ago.
On May 19, they will join together with others in the Sydney event that raises funds for Dementia Australia.
Supporters who attend the Leichhardt Oval event can choose to participate in the 2 kilometre or 7.5 kilometre walk, jog or run.
This year's target is $290,000.
More than 447,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to reach almost 1.1 million by 2058.
There will be prizes for the top fundraisers, raffles, entertainment and food stalls.
"My family and I are doing the memory walk in honour of our much loved mother and grandmother, Anna," Maria, Anna's daughter, said.
"Like many who have dementia, Anna was once a vibrant, strong and independent woman. She lived through World War II, migrated from Italy and successfully started a new life in Australia but this disease has claimed her independence. More needs to be done so this doesn't continue to happen to more of our community."
This year's focus on dementia awareness will be centred around a national survey to inform and increase understanding of the experiences and perspectives around discrimination, and what can be done to bring about positive change.
