When you hear the nickname “Jazzy Jan,” you can’t help but smile. It evokes energy, warmth, and a spark of joy – all of which perfectly describe the woman behind the name. Jan Codd was a vibrant soul, a beloved mother, and an elementary school teacher whose love for children never dimmed, even as Alzheimer’s […]
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For Walter Nowicki, the earliest sign of his mother’s cognitive decline came during a cherished family ritual: playing cards. His parents, lifelong New Jersey residents, loved poker and blackjack. Every visit to Winston-Salem, NC with their grandsons, Robert and Michael, began with a deck of cards and a game for pennies. “It was a ritual,” […]
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By Sarah Osment Brian Garrison’s parents, Allen and Linda, had lived in his childhood home in Morganton, North Carolina, since he and his brother, Keith, were young. “They were first loves in a faithful marriage of 53 years,” said Brian. His dad was called to serve in Vietnam, where he earned a Purple Heart. When […]
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When Janet Long’s mother, Elaine, began showing signs of memory loss, it was easy to chalk it up to aging. Janet’s father was battling cancer so they were preoccupied with his care. Following his passing, they noticed that Elaine’s occasional lapses were turning into more frequent confusion, and she was getting lost on familiar routes. […]
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Lynn lost both her parents to Alzheimer’s disease, leaving only her and her brother, Joe. But just a few years after their mother passed, Joe received the same devastating diagnosis. Once again, Lynn found herself on another Alzheimer’s journey—what she describes as “losing your family before you lose them.” Her commitment to raising funds to […]
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The heartfelt speeches of firsthand stories of caretakers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s. The groups of individuals meeting each other to take pictures, pet a dog outfitted head to tail in purple or walk together along the route. Anyone who has been to a Walk to Alzheimer’s event understands how it brings people from all […]
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When Dr. Veronica Williams reflects on her earliest childhood memories, they are filled with the warmth and wisdom of her maternal grandmother, Rebecca. Growing up in Georgia, Veronica spent countless days at her grandmother’s side, soaking in lessons about farm life, southern traditions, and unconditional love. “As the oldest in my family, I got to […]
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Pete Bradham of Charlotte, N.C. first became aware of Alzheimer’s when he was 13 years old. His grandfather’s vibrant and fun personality was slowly fading away due to the disease. Then he watched his own father Rodney become incredibly anxious about one day having Alzheimer’s, just like his dad. At the time, the family just […]
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Bobby Eddleman is an only child, raised by parents who lived for him. “No matter what, I was the most important person in the room when it came to my mom’s attention growing up,” he says. His mother, Helen, worked alongside his father as a brick mason, laid bricks herself, and later cared for her […]
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Karen Barnes didn’t always speak openly about the emotional toll of her husband Tim’s diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. But today, she shares her story with honesty and strength—because, as she says, “It’s important to acknowledge the reality of this disease.” That reality is complex and painful, but Karen also radiates hope. She lights up when […]
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Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 