Successful Purple Angel October Walk for Dementia Awareness Held at SM Mall of Asia Seaside
October 5, 2024 – Manila, Philippines
In a powerful display of solidarity for dementia awareness, the Institute for Dementia Care Asia (IDCA) and Gunita Para sa Dementia by HI-Eisai hosted a successful Purple Angel October Walk for Dementia Awareness at SM Mall of Asia Seaside on October 5, 2024. The event, part of Elderly Filipino Week, brought together hundreds of participants in a collective effort to raise awareness and promote better care for individuals living with dementia.
Event Kickoff and Opening Remarks
The day started early, with participants arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 AM for registration and T-shirt distribution. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as participants prepared for the walk. Charline Dominguez, representing IDCA/BSJ, delivered the welcoming address, acknowledging the support of several key organizations that have played a crucial role in dementia care, including Superb 7 International Marketing Corp, Camillus Med Haven Nursing Home, Welcome Rotonda MP Cooperative, HI-Eisai executives, the Dementia Society of the Philippines, the Maganote Group, Purple Angel Rizal Chapter, and others.
Cyren Surban, representing Gunita Para sa Dementia by HI-Eisai, followed with a heartfelt message, sharing her personal experience with Purple Angel and highlighting the importance of community involvement in supporting dementia care initiatives.
Keynote Speech by Dr. Jacqueline Dominguez
The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Jacqueline Dominguez, a neurologist and President of IDCA. Dr. Dominguez shared the inspiring origins of the Purple Angel movement, which began in the UK and has since grown into a global initiative. She emphasized the importance of Elderly Filipino Week and recognized the valuable contributions of older Filipinos to society. Dr. Dominguez also highlighted that dementia awareness walks like this one are taking place throughout Southeast Asia, fostering a broader regional and global impact.
Special Recognition of Dementia-Friendly Organizations
A notable moment during the event was the recognition of Welcome Rotonda MP Cooperative as a Dementia-Friendly Organization. The award was presented by Jiil Arsenal, Southeast Asia Head of Operations for Purple Angel, along with Dr. Jacqueline Dominguez and Cyren Surban. This honor celebrated the cooperative's efforts in creating an inclusive environment for people living with dementia and their carers.
Pre-Walk Warm-Up and Walk Highlights
Participants then engaged in a lively pre-walk warm-up session led by Jaypee Decena from the INDAK "Dance for the Brain" program. The energy was palpable as participants prepared for the walk, blending physical fitness with fun.
At 7:30 AM, the much-anticipated Purple Angel Walk officially began, with participants following a scenic route around SM MOA Seaside. Accompanied by the uplifting song "The Angels Will Listen" by Jennifer Bolton, the walk created a unifying and inspirational atmosphere, as participants moved together in solidarity for the dementia cause.
Post-Walk Activities and Networking
After the walk, participants gathered for light refreshments and continued the conversation about dementia awareness. Information booths remained open, providing resources and information about dementia care, while a membership drive encouraged more participants to join Purple Angel's mission.
The event concluded with a valuable networking session, allowing participants to engage with healthcare professionals, carers, and dementia advocates. This gathering fostered connections that could lead to future collaborations, further strengthening the community’s efforts to raise dementia awareness.
Memorable Moments and Future Collaborations
The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with participants expressing a deep sense of unity and purpose. Among the notable attendees were Ma'am Judy Nibut from Victory Church of Imus Cavite, Devine A. Segui from One All Care Marketing Services, and many others who showed interest in future partnerships.
The success of the Purple Angel October Walk not only raised awareness about dementia but also sparked conversations about future projects and collaborations. Participants left the event energized and committed to continuing their advocacy for dementia care, making a difference in the lives of those affected by the condition.
With Purple Angel's growing reach across 65 countries, this event at SM Mall of Asia Seaside marks another important milestone in its mission to raise global dementia awareness and provide much-needed support for those impacted by the disease.