The youngest of three boys, Wes Misson always turned to his mother, Judy, for inspiration and guidance. She was his biggest supporter, and her family adored her.
“My mom was my everything,” Wes recalled.
In 2004, when Wes set out for his first year of law school at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, he expected his toughest challenge to be his studies. But his family was soon rocked by unexpected news.
At just 58, Judy had begun to show signs of forgetfulness and disorientation, even in familiar places. Concerned, Wes’ father took her to the doctor, where she was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
“I didn’t realize the widespread impact of Alzheimer’s until it hit my family,” said Wes, who now serves as a board member for the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter. “I had no idea it could strike someone so young, or how profoundly it would impact caregivers. Our family navigated this disease with Mom for 17 years until her passing.”
Judy’s love and legacy were always clear to Wes’ wife, Allison, despite the hardships of the disease. “I never met Judy before her diagnosis, but I know how special she was to the family,” said Allison. “Through the stories and memories, I felt like I knew her. When Wes and I were expecting our first child, we wanted to honor her by naming our son after her. We had a boy and named him Jack Douglas, J.D. for short.”
It was one of Wes’ older brothers who first discovered the Alzheimer’s Association. The family connected with the local chapter in Ohio, finding invaluable support and resources that helped them care for Judy during her journey through dementia. In 2009, the Misson family began participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Ohio. Wes, who was by that time living in Charlotte, would fly back each year to join his family in honoring their mother.
“I immediately wanted to get more involved,” Wes said. “I wanted to give back as much as this disease has taken from me.” And that’s when his legendary volunteerism began.
When Wes started working at the law firm Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, LLP in Charlotte, he found an opportunity to channel his passion for the cause within his own community. The firm was already deeply engaged with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Charlotte. Wes was soon serving in a leadership role as the firm’s co-managing partner – as well as their Walk team captain. Over the last 13 years, their company Walk team has raised more than $545,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Leading an Evening of Impact
Wes and his colleagues at the Cadwalader firm have also been longtime supporters of the Association’s Charlotte Memory Gala. This year, Wes and his wife, Allison, are serving as co-chairs for the black-tie event.
Through the leadership of the Missons and a volunteer committee, the black-tie Memory Gala will take place on May 2 at The Westin Charlotte. This elegant evening celebrates the lives of loved ones who, like Judy, have been impacted by dementia, while raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association’s support, education, advocacy and research initiatives.
“Allison and I are honored to chair this year’s gala and are committed to making it the most memorable yet,” said Wes. “We look forward to continued progress toward more treatments, and ultimately, a cure.”
This gala brings together prominent Charlotte area community and business leaders for an evening of powerful impact and hope. The evening will feature a welcome reception, seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and live music by 5 of a Kind. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on special pieces, including exciting and one-of-a-kind items and experiences.
Premium tables and patron packages are available now. Individual tickets (pending space available) can be purchased for $400. Reserve your spot by April 17. For more information or to reserve tickets or tables, visit charlottememorygala.org.
In North Carolina alone, more than 210,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s, and over 381,000 family members and friends provide unpaid care. Proceeds for the gala will fund critical research, drive dementia risk reduction and early detection and maximize quality care and support.
“Giving others hope and planting a seed for future generations – my children included – so they can live a life without Alzheimer’s is what this is all about,” said Wes. “We can’t change the diagnosis for our loved ones. But together we can make a difference, and together we will find a cure.”
For more information about the Memory Gala, contact: Melanie Miller | memiller@alz.org | 980.498.7733 or visit CharlotteMemoryGala.org.
Join our Charlotte Memory Gala Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on event news, updates and plans.
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