Gran Kaz’s Donation to Alzheimer’s Foundation Seychelles Honours Those Affected by the Disease
Victoria, Seychelles – Tuesday, 10th December 2024 – An emotional morning at Kenwyn House yesterday as heartfelt speeches brought a wave of reflection and sentiment. The SCR 20,000 donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation Seychelles was not just another step in the ‘10 for 10’ campaign but a deeply personal act of remembrance and hope for those still navigating the effects of this devastating disease.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that slowly strips away a person’s memories and cognitive abilities, but its impact extends far beyond the individual diagnosed. Families are left to watch as their loved one slowly fades, often taking on the difficult role of caregiver with little support or understanding from the wider public. For those facing this disease in Seychelles, it can feel like an isolating, uphill battle.
In sharing her personal story, one member of Gran Kaz staff who asked to remain anonymous, recounted the heart-wrenching journey she witnessed:
"Watching my grandmother lose pieces of herself to Alzheimer’s was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. It wasn’t just her struggle, but our whole family’s. The Alzheimer’s Foundation Seychelles provides a lifeline to families like ours, offering support, education, and advocacy. This donation is not just for the foundation; it’s in memory of my grandmother and for every family going through what we did."
Gran Kaz’s donation will directly support the foundation’s efforts to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, educate the public, and provide resources to families and caregivers who often feel lost in the face of such a devastating illness. For caregivers, the emotional and physical toll can be overwhelming. Many have little access to the kind of support systems that can help them navigate the emotional weight of caring for a loved one whose memory, personality, and identity are slowly eroded by the disease.
PR Manager Shama Amesbury spoke about the importance of today’s donation:
“Alzheimer’s is a disease that many don’t fully understand until it touches their lives. It’s not just about forgetting; it’s about slowly losing someone you love. At Gran Kaz, this cause really hits home for us, and we’re proud to support the Alzheimer’s Foundation Seychelles in their work to provide more education, care, and hope to the families who are going through this difficult journey.”
Alzheimer’s disease, which often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood, is becoming an increasingly prominent issue in Seychelles as the population ages. For many, the road from initial symptoms to a diagnosis is long and filled with uncertainty. The Alzheimer’s Foundation Seychelles seeks to bridge that gap by advocating for early diagnosis, providing education on the disease, and supporting families with the resources they need to offer care with dignity.
Speaking of how this donation supports their upcoming plans, Founder of the Alzheimer’s Foundation, Dame Lise Church explained that the Foundation’s next step is to buildf a home for Alzheimer’s Patients.
“We are currently waiting on our lease agreement to be finalised”, explained Dame Church “once we have the the next step is to build a home to accommodate Alzheimer’s patients. This will provide much needed relief both to the patients and to the caregivers. We have seen that patients thrive so much more when they are in specialised care, and can socialise with others living a similar life. Routine and expert care is important for them, and relieving the stress of caring for them from loved ones allows for more relaxed quality time spent together.”
Helping Families Cope with Alzheimer’s
The work of the Alzheimer’s Foundation Seychelles is invaluable. The association not only helps families navigate the medical aspects of the disease but also provides emotional support to caregivers who often feel overwhelmed and isolated. Their mission is to ensure that no family has to face this journey alone and that every person living with Alzheimer’s receives the care and respect they deserve.
With this donation, Gran Kaz strengthens its commitment to building a better community. By supporting the Alzheimer’s Foundation, Gran Kaz hopes to empower families and raise awareness about a disease that affects not only the elderly but also their loved ones.
As part of the "10 for 10" campaign, this donation highlights Gran Kaz’s dedication to touching lives in meaningful ways, not only through financial support but by standing beside the people who need it most.