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the daily grind....

THE WHY… by Jamie Ball


When the diagnosis of Dementia came for Dad in July, 2017 (62yrs), our family had very little understanding of what would come next or what support might be available to us.


As the insidious disease developed, he went into full time care from January 2020 (65yrs). We were fortunate a friend had a chance encounter with a Dementia Care Specialist and connected us to Theresa Bates, who helped guide us through where Dad could go, what to expect and what is acceptable for a care plan.


That care plan and support was crucial in his final two years of life in full time dementia care. Not everyone is fortunate to have such a chance encounter, so it is imperative we help increase awareness of what support is available when a loved one is diagnosed with Dementia.


That is the primary aim of my run. To raise money for the Mike Ball Legacy Fund so we can provide grants via the Dementia Support Network of WA so families can access the services of a Dementia Care Specialist (currently not available as a free service under our health system).

 

Naturally, there are a number of ancillary outcomes that will also come from the run. As suggested by the name of the fund, the run is a way for me to continue my Dad's legacy as he was someone always willing to help others.


I have two young daughters, four and eight years old, who drive and motivate me every day in my training. I want to show them the power of determination and what they can achieve through hard work and dedication, no matter how large the task at hand, and no matter how many people suggest perhaps it’s too big a feat.


My own personal health, both physical and mental, is a concern for me and so committing to the daily grind 4 dementia will help me reduce my risk of brain and heart disease. My Dad died at 66 years of age and I want to do everything I can live well beyond that for my girls.


People ask me why Albany to Coogee? My Dad really enjoyed his time umpiring football in country towns and following his umpiring career, he enjoyed his work at Norbar as a sales representative and would be regularly travelling the southwest highway and stopping at the different industry customers to make sales (and chat a lot with his networks… loved a chat!)


And Coogee is where Dad’s journey came to an end in care. We spent a lot of time there in his final months, weeks and days and so it is a symbolic finish line for the run.
 

The run won’t be easy, I know that, but that is the point. So long as I commit to showing up each day for the daily grind, it will be achievable.
 

Thank you for all of your support, it makes me and my family proud, and would make Dad pretty
chuffed too.

 

Jamie.

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