FORMER karate champion and handbag designer Jessica Bratich-Johnsonwill give up her chocolate for the month of March as part of the Alzheimer’s WA Chocolate Block Challenge.
The mother-of-two, joins author Ros Thomas and fashion illustrator Pippa McManus as ambassadors touched by the disease and taking parting in the challenge.
Bratich-Johnson a self-confessed chocoholic, said her participation in the challenge was in honour of her grandmother.
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READ NOW“My Nanna, who was one of my most favourite people in this world and who my daughter is named after, lived with dementia,” said Jessica.
“She passed away before she got to meet my kids.
“So I’m taking part to help raise money for other families affected by this disease.”
Alzheimer’s WA chief executive Rhonda Parker said funds raised from the Chocolate Block Challenge would be used by Alzheimer’s WA to support and make a positive difference to the lives of people living with dementia in WA.
“There are currently 41,149 people living with dementia in Western Australia,” she said.
“This figure is predicted to increase dramatically to over 84,000 people in less than twenty years and almost 150,000 people by 2056.
“Dementia is the leading cause of death of women in Australia, and the second leading cause of death of all Australians and there is currently no cure.”
“Your contributions ensure we can continue to provide dementia-specific person-centred care, support and services, which include Respite houses that are safe places to turn to and spend time, special programs that encourage belonging and joy, and raising awareness and reducing stigma by changing negative opinions many have about those living with dementia.”
Thomas said she would honour her mother who has been living with the disease since 2015, while McManus would be doing it to pay tribute to her dad Bill who battled the disease for seven years and for her mother who was diagnosed 15 years after her dad.
To register yourself or a team visit www.chocolateblock.com.au.