British Brothers Raise Awareness for Dementia Through Inspiring Marathon Challenge
Jordan and Cian Adams, British brothers with an inspiring mission, recently turned a prestigious visit to Wimbledon into cherished memories. Among their souvenirs were a program, a seating chart, and a hat from their day among VIPs in the Royal Box.
The brothers are treasuring these moments with their partners ahead of an anticipated health battle. Both carry a rare gene mutation that almost certainly leads to frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Their mother, Geraldine, passed away from FTD in 2016 at the age of 52.
Raising Awareness Through Marathons
Expected to show symptoms in their mid-40s, Jordan and Cian ran 33 marathons in 33 days. Their goal was to spread awareness about FTD, a mission they embrace positively by advocating for others. “We have been able to turn adversity into something hopeful,” Jordan, 31, shared with The Associated Press.
Their journey commenced at the London Marathon with Jordan carrying a symbolic refrigerator on his back. This represented the burden families bear when caring for loved ones with FTD. Following this, they embarked on their “Irish Challenge,” running a marathon each day in the 32 counties of Ireland, honoring their mother’s Irish heritage.
Support flooded in from Ireland, with fellow runners joining them and vibrant media coverage lifting their message. An encounter with Ireland’s deputy prime minister led to discussions about improved support for dementia patients.
Acknowledgment and Support
Their efforts caught the attention of Prince William, who sent a congratulatory letter. Subsequently, they found themselves invited to enjoy the men’s semifinal matches from the Royal Box at Wimbledon. This experience will be a lasting memory for their families.
Understanding FTD
The U.K.’s National Health Service explains FTD as an uncommon form of dementia characterized by behavioral and personality changes. The MAPT gene mutation found in the brothers is “fully penetrant,” often presenting symptoms around age 49.
“It’s more a guarantee than a possibility,” Jordan noted, detailing the 99.9% chance of developing FTD. Both brothers underwent genetic testing confirming their susceptibility, while their sister Kennedy tested negative.
Jordan is candid about the prognosis, expressing doubts about any near-term cure. They view their mission as advancing research and advocating for enhanced welfare support and services.
Future Endeavors
Collaborating with Alzheimer’s organizations, the brothers have raised nearly 2 million pounds ($2.7 million). They aim to bolster government support for dementia services, emphasizing the importance of addressing isolation and loneliness among families affected by dementia.
Future plans include participating in the Chicago Marathon and organizing a group trek to Mount Kilimanjaro. These initiatives are part of their FTD Brothers Foundation’s ongoing efforts.
Memories of the Royal Box
Alongside celebrities like Benedict Cumberbatch and Hugh Laurie, the brothers shared conversations with cricket legend Brian Lara and journalist Louis Theroux. Jordan expressed gratitude for these experiences that will serve as comforting memories for their families in challenging times ahead.
Jordan reflected on the importance of these keepsakes saying, “Our partners can hold on to in those difficult times in the future when sadly we won’t remember them ourselves.”