It was an honour to win the esteemed Australian of The Year Award in SA for 2017, and to now be representing South Australia in January 2017. As a finalist last year, it was more than amazing to be nominated again, and even more incredible to not only be a finalist again this year, but to win amongst a group of such remarkable South Australians. This award is for ALL PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA in Australia and around the world, as everything I do, almost every day, is to improve the lived experiences for people with dementia.
Currently, there are more than 47.5 million people diagnosed with a dementia, and there is a new diagnosis every 3.2 seconds somewhere in the world. In Australia, there are more than 354,000 people diagnosed with dementia, including more than 25,100 of us under the age of 65. We must work towards improving outcomes for those of us diagnosed, and for our families, and not only focus on a cure.
My goal is to work hard to empower those diagnosed with dementia to live with dementia, and not only to die from it, and to teach others it is possible.
I intend to work on this until dementia or some other disease, perhaps even death, makes it no longer possible.
Thank you to everyone for your incredible support and well wishes, and especially to my husband and two sons, and a few special friends who are always by my side, if not in person, then always in spirit. You know who you are, and I love you.
Having one of my blog catch-ups! Very belated but massive congrats Kate, a richly deserved accolade xx
Thank you dear Beth xx
My Auntie was one of the finalists for this! Congrats, well deserved 🙂
Many thanks…
Congratulations
Thank you Cheryl
Good on you, Kate! So richly deserved! 🙂
Well done Kate and also your family who give you so much support. First read of your award in our local Illawarra NSW paper. So much good work achieved in Kiama. Evelyn
Thank you Evelyn… my husband peter (otherwise known as BUB or Back Up Brain) and my two sons Charles and Matthew, are 100% the wind beneath my wings and without them I could not do what I do. xx
I’m so SO happy that you are getting the formal recognition that you deserve!! Can I hug you ???!! ❤
Thanks girlfriend… I am just as happy to call you my friend xoxox
Congratulations Kate! Well done.
Thanks so much Jane
Congratulations Kate – you are opening the conversation most are scared to have.
Thanks Joy…
Well done, Kate! Thank you so much for your inspiration, your leadership and your example.
Best wishes,
Mary
Many thanks Mary, the awards for all people with dementia, and hopefully gives a louder voice to improving care.
My heartfelt congratulations, Kate. You are an inspiration and an example to the rest of us, living the best we can, with Alzheimer’s; but, in particular, when you speak on behalf of those who no longer have a voice.
Thank you my dear friend.. and it has been too long since we had a real chat! It is time for a call soon xx
Congratulations! You are an inspiration and I am delighted you won the award. Wishing you every success next year. Kind regards, Ally
Sincere thanks Allyson
Yehh! That;s brilliant news Kate – 🏆🏅xxxx
Thanks Wendy xx
Heartfelt congratulations my Dear Kate!
Many thanks dear friend xx
Congratulations Kate well deserved for all you do take care xxxxx
Thanks so much Lesley, and I hope all is going ok for you?
Congratulations Kate. I’ll be eagerly sitting on the edge of my seat on Australia Day. You realise that you’ll have 47.5 million hearts with you also. An award that is well deserved and we both thank you for your tireless efforts. We are in awe of your constant achievements.
Thanks John
I forget. Congratulations also to B.U.B, DH!
J.
Congratulations Kate!
Your ’20 things not to say or do to a person with dementia’ are involved in all my lectures to caregivers. Thank you.
Jože
That is wonderful to read… thank you x
Awesome, well done Kate, you deserve it…Seems you made an impact here in NZ just recently too….I was playing a video interview and my wife Barbara said, “My Hero”…Thank you for everything you do
That is lovely… thank you for sharing as it has made my day! xx
Well done from everyone who is or has been touched by dementia. You are an inspiration to so many – your passion and commitment to something that affects so many of us is appreciated if not always expressed. Thank you and best wishes.
Thank you Wendy
Congratulations!! You have my respect for your tireless efforts to help those suffering from dementia. I wish you a lot of strength.
Sincere thanks
You are an inspiration to us all. Thank you and congratulations once again. Very best wishes as you progress to the Australian of the Year award early next year.
Many thanks Janet x
So wonderful how you are advocating for all with Alzheimer’s. Lovely to see you recognised with this award
Thanks Diane x
Your tireless work has been inspiring to follow — so very pleased that you been awarded this recognition. Well done Kate!
Thanks Barbara x
Congratulations Kate!!
Thanks!
Well deserved Kate and more recognition to come I’m sure.
Many thanks… xx
Congratulations Kate and so richly deserved! Thank you for all the work that you do.
Best wishes,
Craig
Many thanks Craig…