Family and friends of Sheila Rodwell will once again take part in the Mandurah Walk to Remember for their much loved wife, mother and grandmother.
They will join dozens of others to pound the pavement in a bid to raise vital funds and awareness for Alzheimer's WA and ensure no one faces dementia alone.
Ms Rodwell has been living with dementia for 10 years.
Her devoted husband, Barry, has organised for more than 30 family members and friends to take part in the Walk for the second year in a row.
"Sheila was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2009, at the age of 67," Mr Rodwell said.
"At first it was devastating and it really put Sheila into a state of depression because of the unknown ramifications.
"The family have been and are helpful, but the need for professional support is very apparent in order to give a better understanding of how we all need to deal with it."
The 2019 Mandurah Walk to Remember will be held on Sunday, October 20 at the Old Mandurah Bridge.
Grab your comfiest walking shoes for the three kilometre stroll along Mandurah Terrace on the Eastern Foreshore followed by fun family activities after your morning exercise.
Enjoy free face painting, a bouncy castle and massages, as well as coffee and other tasty treats available to purchase from local food vendors.
This year, Mr Rodwell said he has taken on more of a leadership role and will make a speech at the Mandurah event.
"I'm happy to be an advocate for this year's Walk to share our experiences and those from members of our carer group," he said.
"Personally, I think sharing these experiences will help others living with dementia to deal with it more effectively."
Alzheimer's WA acting chief executive Danielle Wrench said funds raised from the Walk to Remember would enable Alzheimer's WA to continue to provide much-needed support services and education.
"The Walk to Remember is our largest series of community events, raising funds and awareness for those living with dementia in Western Australia," she said.
"There's more than 41,600 people living with dementia in WA and there is currently no cure.
"The best response is informed support, services and care for the person living with dementia and their carers."
Ms Wrench said Alzheimer's WA was committed to raising awareness to tackle the stigma and misconception about dementia.
"Our vision is a world where people with dementia and their families are supported and valued on their dementia journey," she said.
"As the dementia experts, Alzheimer's WA works with clients and their families and other organisations to have the greatest impact on the lived experience of those with dementia.
"Our client services, advocacy work, training and consultancy programs are based on a philosophy of understanding the lived experience of dementia. Our approach views dementia as a holistic experience for the person, rather than just a biological illness."
The Mandurah Walk to Remember will leave at 9am on October 20 from alongside the Old Mandurah Bridge and follow the footpath along Mandurah Terrace for a three kilometre track.
For more information about the Mandurah Walk to Remember, or to register, visit the Walk to Remember website.
