Dementia Australia - Crunches Challenge 2025

Kris Macpherson
Jul 14
3 min read

Updated: Aug 7

💚 Why This Challenge Means So Much to Me 💚

For the month of July, I’m doing the Crunches Challenge for Dementia Australia—and I wanted to share why this one hits so close to home.

I'm doing it for my mum.

Over the last few years, I’ve watched something slowly take hold of someone I love so deeply. It’s been heartbreaking. There have been moments—only recently—where I can see it takes her a few extra seconds to recognise me. And every single time, it hits like a punch to the chest.

Lessons Learned Through Heartache

This experience has taught me a lot about life... things I wish I had learned earlier. We always hear “don’t take things for granted”—but watching my mum fade in and out of the world around her has made that phrase painfully real. It's made me appreciate the moments we usually overlook. The quiet ones. The silly ones. The “nothing special” days that, looking back, were everything.

The Power of Love

It’s also shown me the true meaning of love—especially between my parents. When I was younger, I didn’t fully understand or appreciate what they had. But now, watching the way my dad continues to show up for her every single day, even as things get harder… it's the most beautiful kind of love I’ve ever seen.

To be honest, for a long time, I tried to avoid it. I didn’t visit much because it was easier to pretend nothing was wrong. I thought if I didn’t see her changing, I could hold on to the version of her I remembered. But the truth is, I was being a coward. I lost years that I’ll never get back—years I could’ve spent making memories, even if they’re only for me to hold onto now.

The Weight of Regret

That’s one of the hardest parts: the regret. Especially now that I’m in a really good place in my life, with someone I love and a future I’m excited about… I want my mum to be part of it. I want to get married soon (no, I haven't asked her yet 🤫). I want her to know my partner. I want her to be there on the day and remember it. But I don’t know if she will. And that hurts more than I can explain.

Taking Action for Change

This challenge is my way of doing something! Dementia is still so misunderstood. It’s not just about memory loss—it changes the whole person. Their mood, their behaviour, their actions, the way they see the world… everything. And there’s not enough research or support out there yet. So if this challenge can help even a little—if it raises just a few more dollars toward a cure, or helps another family feel seen—it’ll be worth every step.

My goal is to raise $600 for Dementia Australia. Every single dollar counts. And if you’ve ever loved someone going through this, or you’re in the thick of it now, my heart goes out to you.

Cherish Every Moment

Please—make the time for your loved ones. Take care of them. Hug them. Call them. Show up. Cherish every moment… because one day, you might realise that you are the only one who remembers them.