JOANNA Cooper has opened up on her mum’s ‘heartbreaking’ dementia diagnosis, saying that it “can feel like you’re grieving them while they’re still alive”.
The fiancée of Irish international rugby ace Conor Murray recently teamed up with The Alzheimer Society Of Ireland in the hopes of raising awareness and helping those dealing with the illness “feel less alone”.
Joanna recently teamed up with The Alzheimer Society Of Ireland in the hopes of raising awareness
The influencer thanked those who had shared their messages of support as she fought back tears
The 28-year-old acknowledged that people often find it difficult to know what to say
In an emotional Instagram post, Joanna said: “My family and I know first hand how hard it is to watch a loved one with dementia.
“My beautiful mum was diagnosed two years ago at just 62 and it has been absolutely heartbreaking for all of us.
“I felt it was really important to share my families experience; even if it helps just one person in a similar situation feel less alone and to know there are supports out there & how to get them.”
The influencer later took to her social media stories to thank those who had shared their messages of support as she fought back tears.
She said: “I keep trying to film a video and I keep crying and I’m not crying on stories so, I think I’ve gathered myself.
“I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who’s messaged me and responded to my post.
“But especially to anyone who’s shared their own dementia experience with me I really appreciate it.”
The model added: “I know how hard it can be to watch someone so close to you go through it and it can feel like you’re grieving them while they’re still alive and I just thought it was really important to start a conversation about it.
“Especially early onset dementia, it’s awful at any age, but it is so scary and sad at how young it can happen, and how aggressive it can be.
“So it was really nice to talk to people who were experiencing the same things.”
The 28-year-old acknowledged that people often find it difficult to know what to say when speaking about Alzheimer’s but added that it is important to address the topic.
She said: “The main thing people were saying is that it can be a really lonely place to be in because it’s hard to talk to anyone about it who hasn’t experienced it because there is no right thing for them to say.
“There is no cure so they can’t say I hope she gets well soon.
“So it kinda prevents you from talking about it a lot which is one of the main reasons I wanted to work with The Alzheimer Society.
“If it helps just one person feel less alone in what they’re going through and just to help get the conversation going – because it’s not talked about enough.”
As part of her work with The Alzheimer Society Of Ireland, Joanna is asking everyone to don their denims on Friday, March 3rd, and donate to support families impacted by dementia.
She said: “Fundraising campaigns are vital for @alzsocirl – by signing up for a Denim Day pack on Alzheimer.ie, you’ll be helping The Alzheimer Society of Ireland continue their work in raising much-needed funds and awareness for people living with dementia.”
For more information, visit Alzheimer.ie