Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Memory Walk and Jog

Belinda WILSON (Narre Warren North) (14:21): There are not many things that get my kids out of bed at 7:30 on a Sunday morning, but on Sunday we walked for Dementia Australia in the Memory Walk and Jog. We were part of Team Beno, my 50-year-old beautiful friend who was diagnosed with early onset dementia five years ago. It is believed that 29,000 young people are living with early onset dementia in Australia, with 7400 of these people being Victorians. Dementia is the second-leading cause of death in Australia and the leading cause of death to women. Team Beno braved the cold, and we had over 60 family and friends do the walk, with Beno’s son Connor being Victoria’s number one individual fundraiser, raising an incredible $14,140.

Over the past five years I have seen my friend go from a high-power executive to being like a child again. I have had to get to know a new person. I have watched her deteriorate into a person that we hardly recognise anymore. This disease is absolutely crippling. It breaks your soul, and it is very, very hard to watch. Thank you to Dementia Australia for all the amazing work you do with all the families and loved ones. To Macca, Sienna, Connor and all your family and friends: thank you for your incredible strength for your mum. Life is short. Love your tribe, and love them hard.