Thank you so much for taking the time to come and see for yourself what ‘One More Step Towards a Cure’ is all about and what I am hoping to achieve; That being to raise awareness of dementia, as well as much needed funds for Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation… all in the quest for a future without Dementia. I feel very blessed in many ways to be able to say with complete conviction that I have found my passion in life; That being the pursuit of humanity, dignity, care and hope for those who have been effected by Dementia, either directly or indirectly. My passion for Dementia Care started with my own family history, hearing stories as a child of my grandmother- Muriel Ivy Barron, who died at the age of 43 from Early Onset Familial Alzheimer’s. There have been at least another half a dozen members of my extended family that have all carried the mutated gene responsible for this form of aggressive Alzheimer’s and all died at exceptionally young ages, all before their mid 40’s. My grandmother spent several years institutionalized before she succumbed to the disease and passed on the 1st of June, 1966. As I am sure you could imagine, the institutions of the 1960’s were not nice places.... in fact they were quite horrific. Growing up with stories like that I think subconsciously set me on my life’s path, I never wanted anyone to suffer or live like that... not on my watch that’s for sure. I just wanted to make a difference big or small in bettering the outcomes for people living with Dementia. Doing something; That would be my gift back to my grandmother. I have worked in the Aged Care Industry for approx. 15 years, most of my working life in one capacity or another. I am currently working as a Regional Lifestyle Manager for a large Aged Care Provider. So seeing people living with Dementia and how it affects them and their loved ones is something that I see each and every day… To support this organization and cause I will complete over 1000kms hiking over the next 15 months to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research and you too can help by supporting me and donating on this page! My goal is $20,000! I am hiking sections of the Bibbulmun Track (Western Australia) as a part of my training as well as some other rock climbing gems in and around Perth. I will then complete the Cape to Cape Track which is 135kms from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin (Western Australia) and will take me approx. 5-6 days. The Cape to Cape in scheduled for Oct/Nov this year. This will also be a part of my training as I build my endurance to tackle the big one next year! The Tasmanian Trail! The Tasmanian Trail is 480kms long starting from the top of Tasmania at Devonport heading to the south, ending at Dover. This hike will take my approx. 25-28 days by foot. I can’t wait! I will be posting updates, photos and blogging over this next year as I work to raise $20,000 and achieve something pretty cool at the same time. This really will be a walk to remember. I would like to thank you in advanced for taking the time to read this far... Awareness is the first step. I now encourage you to dig deep and donate whatever it is that you can manage to support this crucial research and help me reach the big $20,000 mark! If you are inspired to learn more about the cost of Dementia in Australia and how Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation allocate their funds, I invite you to follow the below links: Cost of Dementia in Australia; https://www.fightdementia.org.au/files/NATIONAL/documents/The-economic-cost-of-dementia-in-Australia-2016-to-2056.pdf Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation Annual Reports: https://www.dementiaresearchfoundation.org.au/annual-reports With gratitude... Shannon Phillips You can reach me at: bethechange@onemoresteptowardsacure.com Wishing you all happy trails!