Dundalk run remembered as FTD Brothers’ earn Leinster House praise
Cian and Jordan Adams raised more than €2 million for dementia research
The inspirational ‘FTD Brothers’, who earlier this year ran 33 marathons in 33 days, including in Dundalk to raise awareness of the condition were hailed ‘as showing the best of us’ by Louth TD Ruairí Ó Murchú.
The siblings – Cian and Jordan Adams - whose mother Geraldine died aged 52 from Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), raised more than €2 million for research into the disease.
Last Thursday, the brothers were welcomed to Leinster House to watch a debate about dementia in Ireland and Deputy Ó Murchú praised the Adams brothers for what they did to highlight the condition.
He also commended the ongoing work of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Deputy Ó Murchú said: “I commend Cian and Jordan Adams on the spectacular work they have done in shining a light on dementia, particularly frontotemporal dementia.
“Early onset dementia has a huge impact on families. It had a huge impact on Cian and Jordan's family when they lost their much-loved mother, Geraldine, at 52.
“I cannot imagine the impact that had. I was very taken with something Cian said. He said they were delighted when their sister, Kennedy, discovered that unlike Cian and Jordan she did not have the gene that leads to FTD.
“I do not know how the rest of us here would deal with all of that. Cian and Jordan have shown a huge level of courage and bravery in what they have done, raising money and highlighting the issue as they ran 33 marathons in 33 days. That is where bravery and courage meet absolute madness.
“I ran with them in Dundalk, I thought they were absolutely brilliant.
"They were really commendable in how they dealt with people, including young people. For a period, over those 33 days and beyond, we saw the best of us and the best of Cian and Jordan. I thank them very much for that”.
He said dementia impacts 69,000 people in Ireland and possibly up to 150,000.
Deputy Ó Murchú said: “We know that there are failings as regards our national dementia strategy. We need a framework covering home care and nursing homes. It should also cover brain health, therapies and respite. It is about putting it all together.
“Many others here have been thinking about their relatives. I think of my granny, Maryanne Murphy. She got great support and help in St. Oliver’s nursing home in Dundalk. I commend the staff there. She was a strong and formidable woman”.