I love you on a piece of paper

The colors of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Promise Garden flowers symbolize the shared experiences of those affected by Alzheimer’s. They offer a way for people to connect and feel part of a community that understands the challenges of living with the disease, supporting a loved one, or grieving a loss. For Jennifer Green, this […]

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A kaleidoscope of yellow butterflies

When Lee Ann Luman of Hickory looks back on her childhood, she feels tremendously proud of her mother, Winifred Thurkill. Life wasn’t always easy, but her mother provided Lee Ann and her sister Becky with an idyllic childhood, instilling faith-based values and a strong work ethic to serve others that both sisters uphold today. When […]

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Do what you can, while you can, because you can

“Imagine: You can’t remember your own child’s name, or even your own name. You can’t express your need to use the restroom or even explain that your chest hurts,” begins Tommy Macon of Fayetteville, NC. “This is the daily reality for those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia.” For Tommy’s family, this wasn’t just a […]

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I am his wife, his caregiver and his brain

Samantha Wright and her husband Wendell met at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. They graduated, married, had two boys, and built a great life together in Falls Church, V.A. – a beautiful love story. But, as you can imagine being that this story is on the Alzheimer’s Association blog, their happily ever after looks much […]

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Alzheimer’s – it’s a family affair

Cindy Morrison’s career gave her the opportunity to live in many incredible places, including Switzerland and Southern California. Retirement, however, brought her to a quieter life in the Tar Heel state to be closer to her dad, Ed. Her mother, Nancy had passed away after living with Alzheimer’s for 13 years, with her dad serving […]

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Put Your Oxygen Mask on First

You feel a sense of peace when you speak with Vikki Silverman. Her soothing voice, optimism, and smile do not reveal the significant challenges she’s faced, which could easily wear someone down. Instead, Vikki looks forward, committed to creating a world where Alzheimer’s and other dementias no longer impact her family. She and her family […]

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N.C. Researcher Presented Lifetime Achievement Award by Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association® presented six scientific awards at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 2024 (AAIC®), recognizing researchers for their varied expertise, noteworthy achievements and innovative contributions to the field of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia science. One of these awards was bestowed to North Carolina researcher Goldie S. Byrd, Ph.D. for her significant contributions to Alzheimer’s […]

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From Denial to Advocate — One Daughter’s Journey

When Eastern N.C. native, Sue Sutton’s mom Peggy began forgetting things, she thought she was doing both her parents a favor by covering for her. “My thought process was that if I did not acknowledge my mom’s condition, then maybe it would improve,” shared Sue. Unfortunately, Peggy’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Sue’s mother would be the […]

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The Powerful Intersection of Companies and Community

Bryan Collier and his sister grew up in California with their German-born parents. Only one grandparent was still living — his mom’s father. His Opa, the German word for grandfather, lived in Hamburg, Germany, but came to visit for two to three months at a time. These extended visits gave them lots of time to […]

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A Beautiful Legacy Shared in a Name

“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 […]

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