cheryl jacobsen

My reason

Watching someone you love slowly change is one of the hardest experiences life can offer. That’s why I’ve chosen to fundraise for dementia — because this cause is no longer distant or abstract to me. It’s deeply personal.

My mum, the person who raised me, supported me, and shaped who I am today, is living with dementia. The woman who once remembered everything — birthdays, stories, the little details that made our family life so rich — now struggles with moments that used to come so naturally. Seeing her go through this is heartbreaking.

Dementia doesn’t just affect memory. It changes how someone thinks, feels, and interacts with the world. There are moments of confusion, frustration, and sadness — not just for her, but for everyone who loves her. It’s incredibly difficult to watch someone you care about become a different version of themselves, while still knowing that, deep down, they are still there.

But alongside the pain, there is also love. There are still moments of connection — a smile, a familiar laugh, a glimpse of the mum I’ve always known. Those moments mean everything.

Fundraising is my way of turning something painful into something meaningful. I want to help raise awareness, support vital research, and contribute to a future where fewer families have to go through this. Dementia affects millions of people, yet it still doesn’t always get the attention or understanding it deserves.

By supporting this cause, I’m not only standing up for my mum, but for every family navigating this journey. I’m doing it for better treatments, better care, and hopefully one day, a cure.

If you’re able to support, share, or simply take a moment to learn more about dementia, it truly means a lot. Every small action helps make a difference.