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Memories, Lemonade, and Love
12-year-old Ava Lipscombe sent us this wonderful story. Her grandad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several years ago, and although Ava and her family are currently living in the United Kingdom, her connection to him – and to what dementia means for all whānau – remains close. Wanting to do something practical, Ava organised a small community fundraiser in Surrey, raising $368.28 to support the work of Dementia New Zealand.
These are Ava’s words:
My grandad got diagnosed with Dementia, Alzheimer’s to be specific, about 8 years ago. Alzheimer’s affects the left side of the brain including the important things like memory and speech. A few months ago he went into a care home in New Zealand. Since then, I have come to understand what this disease does to people and their wider family and loved ones.
When I was little, my Grandad, my brother and I would love playing together and making memories that will last forever! I now realise that soon, he might not even remember me let alone remember the times we spent together laughing. Two years ago my family moved to England for a 3 year contract for my Dad’s work. It has been hard for me to not see my Nana and Grandad a lot.
I decided that I wanted to play a part in my Grandad’s journey and raise money for a cure to help people with Alzheimer’s as I don’t want anyone to suffer like my Grandad does. On Halloween, I planned a pop-up stall where we live to sell my handmade jewellery and other little things to raise money for a cure. For every donation people could choose ghost brownies, juice boxes, homemade lemonade and a sausage as well as jewellery and toys. We also had trick or treating candy for those who didn’t know about the fundraiser.
When someone kindly donated I had a handout with a Dementia flower pin on a card and a little summary of my story with my Grandad to show how grateful I am for their donations. The purple flower pin is to help promote Dementia awareness. As I’m only 12 I did go trick or treating when the stand was quieter and my friend and I had so much fun together.
We had the event under two gazebos as the weather in England can be unpredictable.
I couldn’t have done any of this without the help of my lovely family. My brother was my assistant and he was handing out car cleaning coupons for his car cleaning business. I kept thinking my Grandad would be so proud of me if he knew I was doing this.
We raised $368.28 for Dementia.
Together we can raise money and awareness to find a cure for Dementia!
I Love my Grandad 😘
