The fight against dementia is personal for Dubbo’s O’Leary family.

In 2020, beloved matriarch Margaret O’Leary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common form of dementia which has no cure.

Determined to raise awareness and help other families, the O’Learys set themselves an ambitious goal: one step for every Australian with dementia during Dementia Awareness Month.

Dubbed the ‘Walk for Ma’, the challenge raised close to $1800 for Dementia Australia in September 2024, with 18 family members taking a combined 6,274,144 steps.

Sam O’Leary grew up on the family farm not far from his grandparents, Ma and Denis. He has fond memories of the home that “always smelled of freshly-baked scones, patty cakes and chocolate slice”, and where he was “always greeted with a big warm hug”.

“Alzheimer’s has no cure and can run in families, so we know there’s a chance that any one of us could one day be battling this disease,” said Sam, who is the eldest of 10 grandchildren.

“Dementia Australia provides support to the more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia and the nearly 1.7 million people involved in their care, but it also funds vital research.

“Walking more than 14,000 steps per day for 30 days straight was a big feat, but it was also a really positive way of bringing our family together – for Ma.”

In 2025, the family is ‘stepping’ up their fundraising efforts with the support of the Rotary Club of Dubbo South.

Not only are they taking more steps – 433,300 people are now living with dementia in Australia – they are also planning to raise funds for both Dementia Australia and the local Sing Out Choir, a charity that harnesses the power of music to improve mood, memory and connection.

Ma, Denis, and Ma’s sister Judy Kelly have been members of the choir since 2022.

“Dementia can be really lonely and isolating, and although Ma has had a really positive attitude about her diagnosis, even she has her hard days,” Sam said.

“But when Ma is rehearsing or performing with the Sign Out Choir, her face lights up and you can just tell she feels like her old self again.”

Already the 2025 Walk for Ma has raised over $1700, with more than 25 participants stepping up to the challenge. And the family only hope it will continue to grow, year on year.

Ma was not the first member of her family to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her father Tom Kelly also passed away from the disease.

For Ma, and for Tom, Sam said the family is more determined than ever to make a difference.

“Ma was such a big part of our lives growing up and always made time for all of us grandkids,” Sam said. “Now as adults, even with her diagnosis, she still greets you with a big warm hug.

“This challenge is our way of giving back to the services that have helped our family. Keeping physically active, which is one way to reduce your risk, well that’s just a bonus!

“It’s too late to find a cure for Ma, but if we can help just one other family then every step will be worth it.”