Alzheimer's Australia Living with dementia

Hazel Hawke Alzheimer's Research and Care Fund

The Hazel Hawke Alzheimer's Research and Care Fund has been established at the expressed wish of Hazel Hawke who has chosen to make public the fact that she is living with Alzheimer's disease.

Hazel Hawke

"I hope that, by speaking out about this very private issue, I can help to promote openness, awareness and support for all people living with dementia. No illness should carry a negative label. None of us is immune."

"Although I would obviously prefer not to have Alzheimer's, I continue to live a happy and healthy life, with the love and support of family and friends. I hope that, as a community, we can work towards this as a reality for all those similarly affected."

"Practically speaking, I hope to help raise much-needed funds by establishing the Hazel Hawke Alzheimer’s Research and Care Fund. I have done this together with Alzheimer’s Australia. We will use the money you donate to assist on-going research into the prevention and management of Alzheimer’ disease, and to help provide crucial services to people and their carers living with dementia. I urge you all to contribute generously to this Fund." - Hazel Hawke (November 2003)

Our thanks to the Hawke family

Alzheimer’s Australia praises the courage of Hazel Hawke and her family in disclosing she has Alzheimer’s disease and thanks her for establishing the Hazel Hawke Alzheimer’s Research and Care Fund together with Alzheimer’s Australia.

Donations to this fund will help us to provide quality services, support and education free to people living with dementia and their family carers, and to research.

Hazel Hawke has contributed to the community in many different ways. All Australians will be touched by her disclosure and by her willingness to think of others at this challenging stage of her life.