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Adelaide Ultra

By Megan Mander Join Me

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Reach My Goal

Raised

$8,585

My Goal

$5,000

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I'm raising funds for people with dementia!

I'm raising funds for people with dementia! My father (deceased) had dementia/alzheimers for 4 years before passing away and my mother has been diagnosed with the same condition.

But I need your help! Please make a donation to support my efforts and help me reach my goal to beat dementia.

All funds raised will support the work of Dementia Australia to provide vital support services for people living with dementia, their families and carers. These services include counselling, support groups, education and training.

Thank you for your support.

My Achievements

Received first gift

Added a profile photo

Shared page on social media

Updated my page

Donated to self

Reached fundraising target

My Updates

things change

Monday 19th Jun

I remember a few years ago my oldest brother said to me, they’re not our “Mum and Dad” anymore.

Although I agreed at the time, I didn’t really understand the depth of this statement.

Everything was changing.

I’ve often feel alone living in a different state from my family, but it feels worse now.

When I was in Adelaide early 2022 to select a nursing home for my dad, we sat down that night and explained to dad that due to the care he now needed we had decided to move him into a nursing home. He said at the time if you think so, and seemed to approve the decision.

He didn’t remember the conversation the next day.

He didn’t remember when we took him there, that he had been there before to visit and that this would be his new home. He asked me how long he was staying there for. 3 weeks later he died.

Mum received her informal dementia diagnosis in August 2022, with a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Dementia early this year. Looking back now her condition and the changes in her mental state where masked by Dad’s condition.

Mum would previously ring often, and always ask how I was, how Lily was, and be interested in what we were up to in Melbourne. This no longer happens, although I do ring her several times a week the conversation is limited.

Mum would always write special messages in our birthday cards, and this doesn’t happen anymore. She simply rights Dear… and love Mum/Grandma, and has made mistakes with this.

Mum found joy in cooking, a roast with more than a handful of different vegetables and gravy, but she doesn't cook anymore. She was also famous for her pepermint pavlova and cream puffs and would bake hundreds of biscuits for various groups she was involved in but doesn't use the oven anymore.

Unfortunately, but understandably mum doesn’t want to come to Melbourne anymore or travel anywhere that would take her out of her home a place where she is comfortable, a place that is familiar.

I guess I didn’t expect things would change so quickly and so dramatically.

Things change and continue to change.

A failed 80km training run

Tuesday 23rd May
I recently signed up to an 80km training run that went horribly wrong.
Two weeks before the 80k trail run I managed to contract Covid. This event was due to be part of the training for the 100km challenge and would have been the longest training session for the big event.
At 30kms into the event I developed significant stomach issues, I've been through highs and lows in an ultra marathon before but this was nothing like I've experienced. I wanted to be collected from the course.
This trail run was in Margaret River and the next checkpoint was over 18kms away. It took me around 3 hours to complete 10kms having to stop on multiple occasions as I was in absolute agony, I was in tears and my body was shutting down. 
I made the call at 41km to pull out. I was devasted. It was the right decision at the time but my first DNF.
I've processed this event and turned what I initially labeled as a failure into a lesson. I've drawn a line in the sand and found the silver lining. 
Getting to the start line is only ever half the battle but you have to keep showing up no matter what. Having not completed the 80km run which would have been around 13 hours given the terrain, I have recovered well and have recommenced my training for the 100km event. Although this time of year is bringing up many emotions for me, due to the anniversary of my dad's death, I am focused and committed to this challenge on 8th of July. Thanks to everyone for their support.

A second dementia diagnosis

Thursday 27th Apr
I made a special trip back home a few weeks ago to take my mum to the geriatrician with my brothers and my mums sister. Mum wasn't keen to go back to this doctor as on some days she doesn't believe she has dementia, this was another reason why we all attended. 
I have been doing a fair bit of reading on dementia and based on some of the symptoms i was sure mum would be diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The results from the MRI scan showed damage to multiple lobes and the diagnosis was for mixed Alzheimers and Dementia. We watched my dad decline with the same condition before he died in June 2022, it's horrible to think mum will progress in the same way.  
Mum has requested a second opinion which has been organised for late June. 
This was a confronting trip home due to some of the conversations and incidents that occurred. 

Thank you to my Supporters

$100

Darren Krakowiak

Hope you can double your target, Megan!

$31

Jeremy Koadlow

Incredible and outstanding work and effort.

$31.35

Krystal

You are amazing xx

$58.02

Chris Worthy

What a great cause Megan and close to home with my mum diagnosed with Alzheimers.

$58.02

James Treloar

$36

Shlomo Nathanson

Inspired by Megan!

$31.65

Emma Mcmillan

$105.50

Andy Reid

An absolutely Herculean effort this...incredible stuff, you need to be damn proud of yourself!!!

$31.65

Bianca Kakos

$105.50

Robyn Saxon

My mum battled alzheimers for many years. It's very difficult journey for everyone. Thanks for helping to raise funds and make a difference in the future, Megan.

$105

Sasha

$21.10

She Will Shine

$26

Michael Loutakis

$10.55

Natalie Wise

$31.65

Ken Scanlon

Appreciate all that you do for this very worthy cause!!

$50

Andrew Mander

$52.75

Kelly Zampogna

Love you xx

$32.40

Jacqui Kidman

Well done 👏

$105.50

Nicole Bourke

Well done. Very proud of all that you have been able to achieve with this Ultra.

$55

Simon And Kristine Cook

Well done Megan!

$118.16

Simon Mander

So proud of you! Best of luck for the run, we look forward to supporting you along the way!

$55

Hewett Commercial

Well done Megan, it's for a great cause.

$31.65

Neets

Best of luck tomorrow Megan. I’m sure you will smash Adelaide Ultra xjx

$58.02

Bec Dutkowski

Good luck for your race Megan!

$50

Sue

Stay healthy and enjoy.

$50

Lauren Smith

I’m so proud of you Megan- you are so strong and what you are doing for the greater good is mind blowing. I wish I was there to be your support but know I will be there in spirit. We love you x

$50

Blunck Family

You are a amazing and I’m so damn proud of you.

$58.02

Suzanne Squire

You’ve got this Megan! Sending lots of love and good running vibes ❤️ Suze, Scotty & Jack xxx

$105.50

Evolve Run Club

With love from all of the Evolve team

$31.65

Brad R

Great work megan

$101

Sally

You got this Megan!

$41.60

Patrice

You are an inspiration, Meg. Congratulations on all of your hard work in training and raising awareness on dementia.

$10.55

Run With Rach

Best of luck for your Ultra! 💙🏃🏻‍♀️

$57.20

Katrina Hermann

Good luck Megan. Great cause. You go girl (lady)! Xo

$75

Kerryn Harvey

Go Megan. Look forward to seeing you conquer the big hundy! You have got this 💪

$100

Annika Bergqvist

$31.65

Jacquie Grahame

late to the party sorry - just needed a quiet day in qld to take the time to donate.😂 Be so proud at what you are doing ! such a good cause. 100k eek incredible

$21.10

Nicole V

Run well wonderful lady!!! You've achieved so much in fundraising and awareness and wish you all the best for running UA100😊

$15.82

Deb

Good luck Megan. You’ll smash it girlfriend! 😉👏👏👏

$158.25

David Hassett

Great cause well done

$21.10

Erin Van Der Peet

I know you will run with all your heart. Amazing work on your fundraising x

$31

Wendy Steel

Good luck Megan - all the best

$21.10

Andrew

Great effort! And you will crush the race.

$250

Trevor Gow

Inspirational, your commitment in making a difference for a great cause close to your hart. Good luck in Adelaide 💯👊🏼🥇

$58.02

Les

So good you are doing this, Megan. Have a great run.

$100.22

Danielle Cargill

Couldn't be more proud of you Megs - you never, ever give up. xx

$105.50

Graham Hemingway

Well done.... rather you than me!😉

$31

Ilana Kosakiewicz

$31.65

Jan Murphy

fabulous achievement

$52.75

Damian Vertigan

You are so inspiring Megan 💙💙

$101

Kara

We are all behind you Megan. This is close to my heart - You are doing an incredible thing!

$105.50

Emma Hutchinson

Thank you for raising awareness and funds for this great cause. You’re an inspiration ❤️ Good luck with Adelaide Ultra. I can't wait to be there with you. As you know, my granny passed away from dementia, so this is in memory of a wonderful lady.

$31.65

Lou

You are amazing !!!

$52.75

Craig

Champion,

$21.10

Hanan Salti

Go you good thing! I hope and pray that this impact on your mum and family is eased and mum gets to enjoy her golden age with much presence and happiness. Wishing you all the best on this run. No, I will not be joining you XO

$52.75

Helen Pettigrew

Such a wonderful cause Megan and all the very best for your run in July!

$31.65

Jarrah Bevilacqua

Go Megan :)

$105.50

Mum

In memory of my husband Trevor! Thanks for raising awareness of the disease 💙

$52.75

Julie Frank

To my very special and amazing friend - what an inspiration to be turning a family tragedy into something positive. Honoured to be your friend 💕

$100

Rachel Mander

So much admiration and support for this crazy but incredible journey of running 100 kms for raising awareness/funds for dementia. Your courage and resilience will inspire countless others, giving hope to those affected by dementia and shedding light on the urgent need for research, care, and support. Please take care of yourself 🙏

$58.02

Nick Kumar

Go get it. Super inspiring

$55

Marino Perioris

$211

B ✌🏼

Thank you for raising awareness. So glad I can run with you.

$105.50

High Line Active

Your relentless physical achievements are an inspiration! Congratulations.

$58.02

Mara Shen

$32.40

Jimmy

Love your passion and dedication to the cause… Good luck with the run! x

$105.50

Laurie Checketts

I had my Mum pass away with dementia, now my Dad has and my twin sisters at 63 have as well. Best of luck for your run and thank you for doing it!

$105.50

Carmel And David Bourke Bourke

Good luck with this great effort to raise funds for a terrible disease.

$31.65

Trosh Smith

Good on you! 5kms is enough for me! Don’t know how you do it!

$31.65

Mark Kani

$104

Doreen & Arthur

What a huge run! Your parents would be very proud. I know we are. Go you! Lots a love xxx

$42.20

Tania Scanlon

Sad and cruel affliction, thank you fighting, and to all that dedicate their efforts to helping. Well done hun.

$105.50

Diana Nicholls

A special one hun. We are with you all the way ❤️

$58.02

Nick Cheek

$58.02

Ashley Buller

Great cause Megan!

$100

Nadia Wloszczak

So proud of you. Good luck xx

$56

Elisse Gately

Inspirational message and run. Such an emotional path for you. We will be cheering you every step of the way. 🙌⭐️ Big hugs xxx

$57.75

Mark Taggart

An illness that touches far too many of us, but with people like you to bring it into the light, the days ahead are going to be brighter for everyone. Proud of you mate x

$101

Caine Real Estate

Great stuff Megan!

$55

Sarah S

Good luck Moggie and well done for supporting this important organisation x

$50

Lily Ajaimi

$105.50

George

$31.65

Matt Carlin

$105.50

David Hassett

Great effort keep up the

$50

Julie Mcknight

If anyone can…you can!

$21.10

Mike George

Great work Megan - saw Simon yesterday at Woollies and your cause is very important

$57.75

Marcus Vg

Enjoy the training and the run, and well done on raising funds for an organisation that helps so many people.

$211

Jane Leal

A cause close to my heart also. Very proud of you. X

$58.02

Eleanor Bryant

A wonderful cause and much needed awareness and funds to support everyone. Good luck in the ultra.

$55

Stu Stillman

You’re doing a great job of raising awareness of Dementia Megsie. Have a great run !

$31.65

Natalie Edge

$100

Nat Blair

All the best for your ultra and raising funds for a cause very close to your heart 🥰

$636

P M

🙏💗

$31.65

Melanie Long

Awesome work for such a great cause

$58.02

Elizabeth Ormerod

$58.02

Noa

Well done Megs! You’re going to smash us, for such a good cause close to our hearts ❤️❤️❤️

$316.50

Peter And Graeme

Congrats and thanks for raising awareness of Dementia. Hard on all.

$31.65

Sally Pieper

Amazing effort so far! 🌷🌻

$58.02

Kirk Stafford

$31.65

Kylie Jane

Incredible work raising awareness on something so very close to your heart! Good luck hun xx

$52.75

Kang

LYBL Megsie x

$105.50

Teamwoodsy

A great cause and can’t wait to see you out there!!!

$31.20

Andrea L

Thank you for raiding awareness and funds for an important cause that touches so many of us

$105.50

Megan Mander

$73.85

Jodie Bakoulas

Great work on raising important funds for a cause close to your heart x

$21.10

Fiona M

You know why! X

$105.50

Fiona Smeaton

A cause close to my heart and I admire you taking on this challenge. x

$105.50

Kristy Caskey

$52

Kim Sharp

You are one incredible lady. So inspiring ❤️

$25

Kim Edwards

You’re a champion my friend x

$105.50

Vanessa Mecanovic

You are such a beautiful human. Love what you do. An inspiration to all.

$50

Mishy

Wha an amazing achievement by an amazing woman. So proud of you

$50

Paul Wilson

Always love your generosity of spirit in supporting others Megan. 💛

$21.10

Shellwah

Love your work xx

$105.50

Matt

Great cause. Have fun out there. 🏃‍♂️💪🙂

$58.02

Kevin Griggs

Have a great run Megan, such a wonderful cause!!

$105.50

Nicole Bourke

You got this rockstar!!

$104

Cruisy Morning Runner

Best of luck inspring lady!!

$21.10

Mark Falkingham

Happy trails champion.