I am honored to join Team Alzheimer's Research UK and excited to share that I will be running the 2026 Sydney Marathon in memory of my grandma, Lieu Phung.

My grandma, whom I call Popo (pronounced paw-paw), passed away on February 16, 2018, from Alzheimer’s disease. Popo was my rock growing up. We lived in the same household and she had a big impact on my childhood - she raised me, cooked for me, walked me home from elementary school every day, and always made sure I was okay. She did all of this with a smile on her face (she had some great dentures too).

When Popo was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I was studying to become a pharmacist. I remember being shocked to learn there were only four medications available to treat the disease. Every time I came home from school, I was afraid she might forget who I was, but thankfully, she always remembered me. The most heartbreaking moment was when Popo asked me how to be happy again, words I never expected from the woman who was always so happy and smiley. After she passed, my family fundraised and donated $777 (an ode to her love of gambling) to Alzheimer’s research, in hopes that one day there will be more effective treatments for anyone who suffers from Alzheimer’s and their families.

Now that I've graduated pharmacy school and am working as an inpatient pharmacist, I continue to see, and struggle with, the limited effective options for treating Alzheimer's disease.

Running this marathon in memory of Popo will be an honor. It’s an opportunity to do something I love, while raising funds and awareness, for someone I love.

If you are able, please consider donating to support Alzheimer's research and help bring hope to families like mine. No amount is too small, and every little bit helps! Thank you for considering!