We are endlessly grateful to our volunteers for giving their time to better the lives of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our volunteers are truly the heart of the Alzheimer’s Association here in North Carolina.
In honor of National Volunteer Week 2025, we’ll be spotlighting a different volunteer from our Eastern North Carolina Chapter each day. Today we are featuring …
MONA WILES
Raleigh, NC (Wake County)
What brought you to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association?
I have been a part of The Longest Day campaign through The Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Crawl in Emerald Isle, NC since 2014/2015. My father was diagnosed in 2014 with dementia. Our family (mom, Betty Jean Cox, sister, Liz Cox, my husband, Abe Wiles and me) wanted to help find a cure so others would not have to walk the same type of journey we did. After 10 years The Emerald Isle team dissolved. So, I was left with no team, but still had the burning to keep fighting for others. I now have the pleasure of serving as a committee member for The Longest Day.
What volunteer role(s) do you have with the Association?
I am on The Longest Day committee and assist in making phone calls to participants, help with kick-off parties, and attend local events to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease.
The Longest Day® is the day with the most light – the summer solstice. Help outshine the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice on any day that works for them. The Longest Day Committee to helps recruit participants, provide coaching on fundraising and event planning, and spread the word about this exciting campaign.
What do you enjoy most about your volunteer role?
I enjoy being able to meet others who are walking the walk my family walked from 2014-2017. Being there for someone to share their story is so impactful for me.
What piece of your role do you feel makes the biggest impact?
Being an extra set of hands for the Alzheimer’s Association, especially in the behind-the-scene activities (making phone calls, set-up/take down at events) and going to events and listening to others who just want to share their story. Eventually, I want to feel comfortable enough to inform others about statistics and more details about all that the Alzheimer’s Association is doing!
If someone were considering volunteering with the Association, what would you say to them?
Everyone can help make a difference. Whether you are a behind the scenes type of person or one who has the gift of engaging with people, you will be a welcome part of this great organization. I feel very appreciated in doing even the smallest tasks. There is no pressure as to how much you need to volunteer. However, once you get connected, you will want to be a part of as much as possible.
THANK YOU, MONA!
Volunteers truly help move our mission forward. Interested in becoming a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association in NC? Visit alz.org/volunteer or call 800-272-3900.
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 