“Our journey began when my mom would find herself frequently frustrated over her forgetfulness,” shared Hendersonville, N.C. native, Joyce Garren. “She would often drive over to my office at work to tell me the wipers on her car were not working. Or that she couldn’t turn the blinkers on. I would go out to her car only to find they worked just fine — she just couldn’t remember how to turn them on.”
Joyce’s introduction to Alzheimer’s happened six years ago when her mom, for whom she is named, Joyce Ann Holbert, was first diagnosed at the age of 72.
As an only child, and her father having passed away from cancer the year prior, her mom’s care fell to Joyce. “My parents were married 57 years when he passed away,” said Joyce. “I had no idea at the time that I’d start to lose my mom too just a year later.”
Joyce Ann was very artistic and enjoyed crafting, sewing, ceramics and decorating her house, especially at Christmas. She also loved going to church, out to eat and spending time with her family and in her community. As her dementia progressed, she was unable to do some of the things she once loved, however attending church, spending time with family and going out to eat remained.
“I took my mom out to lunch every day,” said Joyce. “I would pick her up, and we would enjoy a nice lunch out. I treasured these outings and still smile thinking about some of our conversations. I once told my mom that I was afraid that I would get dementia too, and she said that I would not even remember I had dementia, so it was not worth my time worrying about it now. She had such a fun personality and never lost her southern charm or her kindness with this disease. I miss her terribly, but I am thankful for that gift.”
Eventually, Joyce Ann no longer remembered her daughter’s name, but she knew she trusted her, so their time together was always comfortable. Joyce treated every day like it was a special day with her mom. In fact, when Joyce learned that her own daughter was expecting a baby, she got to share the news like it was the first time she was telling her — every single day. “It was joy getting to relive my mom’s excitement at being a great grandmother every day. These are memories I will always hold dear.”
Her mom lived in her home for 60 years and was determined to be able to stay there because it was where she felt most comfortable and safe. Joyce disabled the stove as a precaution and kept a watchful eye on her mom along with the help of some in-home caregivers. Taking measures to improve safety can prevent injuries and help the person with Alzheimer’s feel more relaxed, less overwhelmed and maintain their independence longer.
Joyce Ann passed away in May of this year. Just a couple of months before her passing, she lost her ability to walk, and those daily lunch dates moved from a local restaurant to sitting by her bedside.
“I’ve spent the last six years taking care of my mom,” said Joyce. “It has been a hard journey, but I am thankful for the blessings that we experienced during this time too. Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Henderson County has allowed me to channel my grief into finding ways to help others affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. It affects so many people.”
Joyce’s employer Prager Metis was incredibly supportive of her need to care for her mom. “Alzheimer’s is very personal to our founders who also lost parents to the disease. It is one of the reasons they support Walk to End Alzheimer’s on a national level, and all employees promote the Walk in their email signatures. It makes me proud to work for this company.”
Joyce is the local Walk Team Captain for Prager Metis, a National Team for Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The team will gather on Walk Day, September 21, in downtown Hendersonville.
Getting support from the community for the Prager Metis – Hendersonville Walk team has not been hard. In fact, they have already raised over $2,100. Joyce Ann, a life-long resident of Hendersonville, was deep rooted in the community and her church. “The community is really showing up to honor my mom and that is a source of comfort for me and my family. The Walk is going to be extra special because we are doing it in memory of my mom, and I will be a new grandmother! My mom would love that!”
And in a fitting homage, Joyce Ann is gaining another namesake as Joyce’s daughter Megan and her husband are expecting a baby girl at the end of August and intend to honor her grandmother and mother with the middle name Joyce.
LIKE JOYCE, WE ALL HAVE A REASON TO FIGHT FOR A WORLD WITHOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE. Join your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s today as an individual, team, or sponsor.
The Alzheimer’s Association hosts 17 walks across North Carolina. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association® mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
| Alamance County | 9/28/2024 |
| Asheville | 10/5/2024 |
| Charlotte | 10/19/2024 |
| Fayetteville | 10/26/2024 |
| Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln | 10/5/2024 |
| Guilford County | 10/5/2024 |
| Henderson County | 9/21/2024 |
| Iredell Co. & Lake Norman | 9/21/2024 |
| Jacksonville | 9/28/2024 |
| Moore County | 9/14/2024 |
| Mount Airy | 9/14/2024 |
| New Bern | 10/19/2024 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus | 9/21/2024 |
| Unifour | 10/26/2024 |
| Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) | 10/5/2024 |
| Wilmington | 11/2/2024 |
| Winston-Salem | 11/2/2024 |
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 