This MARCH can you survive on memories of CHOCOLATE to help someone living with dementia? #iamchocolateblocked

Chocolate Block Ambassadors

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Ros Thomas

Writer, published author, journalist of 30 years

Ros Thomas is an experienced and competent media professional with a particular interest in the aged care sector. Her career spans almost three decades in television, radio and print. She is a published writer, newspaper columnist, accomplished speech writer and speaker and in a unique position to tell the story of aged care from a carer’s perspective.​​
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Reason for taking the Chocolate Block Challenge:

"I am honoured to become an Ambassador for Alzheimer's WA. Everywhere I go I hear the stories of traumatised families trying to cope with this insidious disease. My beautiful Mum was diagnosed in 2015. As an only child, I watch her decline with gnawing disquiet. 

On the outside, she remains a perfect likeness of my mother: the shock of snow-white hair - two cowlicks competing with a centre-part - the winning smile, the playful demeanour, the athletic body still muscular from a lifetime of sport.

​On the inside, my mother is a jumble of fear and confusion. Month by month, I watch helplessly as small pieces of her drift away. Alzheimer's is withering her personality and turning my mum into someone else. 

Those of us affected by this epidemic need to be informed and supported. If my ambassadorship can help achieve those ends, I will be delighted.​​"​  Ros Thomas

Sponsor Ros

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Jessica Bratich Johnson

Handbag designer and former karate champion

Jessica Bratich, a former karate champion, turned to a career in fashion after several years of experience in retail and wholesale.
 
In 2011 she launched JESSICA BRATICH, a fashion label specialising in accessories made entirely from cruelty-free, vegan friendly leather-alternatives, offering up classic shapes across an wallets, clutches and handbags.
 
2017 saw JESSICA BRATICH expand with the introduction of MISS BY JESSICA BRATICH; a youth accessories label catering to girls from toddler to tween age.
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Reason for taking the Chocolate Block Challenge:

"The reason I am taking part in the chocolate block challenge (well it is going to be a hard one for a chocoholic) is it’s close to my heart.

​My Nanna who was one of my most favourite people in this world and who my daughter is named after had dementia. She passed away before she got to meet my kids and I don’t wish that on anyone.

​It was very sad to watch someone so amazing and caring fade away and not know who anyone was or what to do on a day to day basis. All those things we take for granted. So I’m helping raise funds so that one day we will find a cure for such a cruel disease."  Jessica Bratich Johnson​

Sponsor Jessica

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Pippa McManus

Fashion illustrator

Working professionally for the past thirteen years Pippa McManus has emerged as one of Australia’s best-known fashion illustrators.

er fashion obsession has taken her to all four major fashion weeks across the world along with being invited to exclusively illustrate at London Fashion Week, MBFW and Perth Fashion Festival for many years.

Having collaborated with some of Australia’s best fashion houses Pippa took a step away from commercial work to focus on the fine art side of her business after holding four sell out solo shows and launching her website with accompanying print store.

​Pippa’s work is currently exhibited at Studio 281 Gallery in Maylands.

​Reason for taking the Chocolate Block Challenge:

"In 2001 I lost my gorgeous father Bill McManus to Alzheimer's disease after he battled it for seven years. It was heartbreaking watching that charming, smart and hilarious man slip away over that time. It was also really confusing as a high-schooler watching it happen and being part of the then impossible journey of diagnosis.
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In January 2016, fifteen years later, my beautiful mother Sonia McManus was diagnosed with the same disease.

Now I'm playing the part that my mother played back then and I am so grateful everyday to Alzheimer's WA for the support I have received. They are truly wonderful. They are helping mum live a full and happy life while offering incredible support to me as her carer through workshops, events and most importantly someone to chat to whenever I need information or advice.

​So the more people that know about Alzheimer's WA, the greater their impact.​"  Pippa McManus

Sponsor Pippa

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