I have had a lot of participatory activities during September. I spoke at the Nurses' Day at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre. The topic of the speech was young onset dementia and the experiences of living with it. The Finnish Memory Association (Muistiliitto) had asked me to participate in this event. At the event, I was interviewed by Anita Pohjanvuori, an expert from the Finnish Lure Association. I also received an invitation to a radio interview with YLE Ostrobothnia. In the interview, I talked about young-onset dementia and about how my illness began. I also pointed out the difficulty of getting a diagnosis and told them that I have found a lot of good things in my life. I talked, too, about being active on behalf of people with dementia as a speaker, as well as highlighting the activities of the local Memory Society, and told them that it is worth boldly opening their doors and stepping into the activities. This fast-paced month of September, for me, ended with a television programme (FKINKKILÄ-KELLOMÄKI) The programme aired nationwide on the TV1 channel. The programme had two interviewees.
Journalist Anne Flinkkilä interviewed non-fiction writer/journalist Hanna Jensen, as well as me. Hanna Jensen spoke about her experiences and views as a carer for someone with dementia. She has a lot of experience in these matters. I, on the other hand, spoke from the point of view of someone with dementia. The show has received a lot of positive feedback and had a large viewership. People who have given feedback have mentioned that we have broadened their views on dementia. Hopefully, we have impacted on the stigma as well. It is good to interview people who are very closely affected by dementia. This past month, doing these events, has been like a good dream, for me. Fortunately, it was not just a dream, it was my life. I am grateful to the individuals and also to all the sponsors who asked me to participate in these various events. An inclusive life keeps me engaged and I also feel able to share issues that are important to society. Pictured: Petri Lampinen, Anne Flinkkilä, Hanna Jensen (Photo credit: Harri Hinkka YLE)
