The founder of the Dominica Dementia Foundation, Rianna Patterson, on July 1st, 2022, received the 2022 Diana Award for her commitment to dementia.
The Diana Award was established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, to recognize young people who go above and beyond for social action or humanitarian efforts. It was founded on Princess Diana’s belief that young people have the power to change their community.
Patterson is an advocate for young people and adults with mental health conditions and uses her platform to advocate for global mental health. She works closely with care homes in Dominica to improve older people’s quality of life on the island.
The 24-year-old founded the Dominican Dementia Foundation, a youth-led dementia charity in memory of her grandfather. The foundation supports families and caretakers affected by dementia.
As a personal development coach, Patterson delivers workshops to students and purpose-led employees, presents keynote speeches to influence social change, and is currently crowdfunding to produce a documentary film on Dementia in the Caribbean.
This year’s Diana Award recipients virtually celebrated the achievement of young visionaries and leaders from across the world at their global awards ceremony.
She has been working in this field since she was 18 years old and thanked “God, mentors, my family, coaches and the executive team at the Dominica Dementia Foundation.”
“I dedicate this award to everyone fighting for this cause. I hope that this accolade inspires a young person with big dreams. It is all possible with faith! Believe in your capabilities; invite other people along the journey. Life is not easy so it is up to us to change the game for ourselves and our communities. We have a duty to make this world livable for all!” Patterson declared.
So how you going to achieve that when your boys get rid of CBI, Chinese, geothermal etc just because your leader is an agriculturist and the West won’t give you the financing, except enuff to keep you on the brink of starvation? By selling Dowasco?
@Ibo, for bolgarding this blog.
Heartfelt congratulations to young Ms. Patterson for the honour she has received for her initiatives and hard work with our elderly persons with dementia.
I hope this award will bring greater attention and awareness to all mental illnesses. There is a need for more people with expertise in these fields, and more and much better institutions.
The life of every citizen is invaluable whether at the cradle or sunset stage of their lives.