#SheInspires - Sarah Wall

Sarah Wall’s message is simple. Dementia does not just target the elderly, and she is determined to educate as many people as possible to this fact, particularly the younger generation.

It’s a mission which grew from tragedy when her much loved Mum was diagnosed with early onset Frontotemporal Dementia in 2015 aged only 55.

“My mum is kind-hearted, loving, funny and genuine and the fact that all those qualities will be taken from her by dementia is heartbreaking,” said Sarah.

From the moment of her Mum’s diagnosis, Sarah, then 25, knew she had to learn as much about the disease as possible and spread the word that it doesn’t just affect the elderly and can hit people in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

Her other goal has been to raise money for Dementia Australia and later this year she will combine both objectives when she stages (with the help of friends, family and colleagues) the Forget Me Not Ball at The Calile Hotel, Fortitude Valley, on Saturday 28 September.

“The purpose and vision for the Ball was simple; raise money and raise awareness,” said Sarah.

“ I wanted to raise awareness that dementia doesn’t just affect the elderly and that it can be diagnosed in people as young as 30.

“With that in mind, I knew my target demographic were people within my age bracket. I thought about what interests people my age; I knew a ball is something my friends and I have attended so that’s where the idea came from.”

Sarah said she was hoping to create “an amazing event” that raises money and awareness by using the power of social media and influence to engage an audience that usually wouldn’t look at dementia as a charity they support.

Outside her work as an Executive Assistant Sarah considers herself “more of a creative”.

“I have a baking Instagram where I document my creations and at home we are knee deep in renovations,” she said.

“I am driven by the desire to make an impact,” she added.

“I don’t want to leave the world with nothing more than an Instagram feed and a couple of cool stories.

“I feel that this drive is what has made the ball a reality, I want to ignite awareness and change even if it’s just a small ripple in a bigger picture.”

Sarah said her mother’s dementia diagnosis had changed her perspective on life.

“I think it’s so easy to go through life superficially but moments like that really make you realise that our time here isn’t forever and that we should make the most of what we have, while we still have it,” she said.

Asked what she was most proud of Sarah replied: “I’m proud to have a community of businesses, friends, colleagues and family supporting myself and the ball. It’s an amazing feeling knowing that I have people who believe in my vision and goal”.