Parkruns Across WA for a Cause
Simone Brown, a resident of Western Australia, is undertaking an ambitious statewide parkrun challenge to honour her late mother, who succumbed to the rare genetic brain disease CADASIL on February 24. The challenge, which began as a tribute while her mother was alive, has evolved into a lasting legacy.
Simone initiated her campaign, ‘CADASIL – Raising Awareness One Run at a Time,’ at the Woodbridge Riverside parkrun in January. She is dedicated to participating in every parkrun across Western Australia to raise awareness and funds for research on CADASIL, a progressive genetic disorder affecting the brain’s small blood vessels.
Symptoms of CADASIL usually manifest between the ages of 30 and 50. These can include strokes, mini-strokes, migraines with visual disturbances, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. The disease is caused by a mutation in a single gene, and children of an affected parent have a 50% chance of inheriting it. Despite affecting an estimated 1,350 Australians, CADASIL is often underdiagnosed.
Currently, there is no cure or specific treatment for CADASIL. Medical management focuses on reducing the risk of stroke by controlling cardiovascular factors. Funds raised through Simone’s campaign will support the AusCADASIL Research Programme at the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW Sydney, the first national study of CADASIL, led by Dr. Danit Saks under the direction of Professor Perminder Sachdev AM.
Professor Sachdev emphasises the importance of community involvement, stating, “Simone’s determination in the face of personal loss is remarkable. CADASIL remains under-recognised, and research is essential to better understand how the disease progresses and how we might intervene.”
Simone’s late mother was described as carefree, vibrant, and independent. “She loved gardening, swimming, walking, and volunteering at her local op shop,” Simone reflected. “Watching her lose her mobility and independence was heartbreaking, but continuing this challenge gives me purpose.”
Simone aims to raise $10,000 by the end of the year. The support from local runners and the broader WA community has been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. “As difficult as the last few years have been, we all still shared some very special moments with Mum,” she says.
Last updated: 13 April 2026, 7:34 am
