Dementia is not just an old person's illness. It effects the entire family. There are many illnesses under the umbrella of dementia including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Traumatic Brain Injury, Vascular Dementia, Mixed Dementia, Huntington's, Lewy Body and Frontotemporal Disorders. At Memory Matters we strive to help those dealing with all types of dementia. We also strive to help their families, caretakers and loved ones. Don't try to go through this alone.
This community event brings together businesses and residents from Glynn county and surrounding areas to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's and dementia research and local support services. This family-friendly event takes place at the St. Simons Pier Village and provides something for everyone. Attendees will honor and remember their loved ones in Neptune Park before participating in either a 1-mile or 2-mile walk through beautiful St. Simons. Proceeds from the walk benefit research efforts through the Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Emory University, one of 27 active centers in the nation supported by the National Institutes of Health and local support services provided by Memory Matters Glynn, a local independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering education, social activities for persons with memory impairment, individual consultations, memory screening and support groups in Glynn County. For more information including sponsorship opportunities contact Andrea Mickelson, Executive Director, Georgia Alzheimer's Foundation.
Join in the fun at this family friendly event and help fight this devastating disease! Join a team and raise funds to support families right here in the Golden Isles.
Click here to register a team or yourself for the 2023 Golden Isles Alzheimer's Walk. To find out more about the Georgia Alzheimer's Foundation go to www.gaalz.org
Memory problems can be scary! Whether it is you, someone you know, or someone you love, it is hard to navigate what options there are and what steps to take. At Memory Matters we understand and our mission is to support you throughout your journey.
Memory Matters began in 1994 as Alzheimer's of Glynn/Brunswick. In 2016 we expanded our mission to include all forms of adult onset memory impairment and renamed the organization Memory Matters.
To support, educate and enrich the lives of people dealing with memory issues and the people who care for them.
Memory Matters started in a spare bedroom in 1993. Support and education for family members and caregivers of people with memory problems were simply ideas in the minds of Judy Hardek, Dale Tushman and the late Louise Rodormer. The were soon joined by Darlene Wymes and Sharron Olson and the five, all of whom had experience in treating patients and helping their families, set about building an organization that would serve this unfilled need in the community.
Their first decision was that the organization would be independent of national ties so that all donations would be used to benefit the local community. The second decision was that the primary goals would be education and support. They would teach anyone about dementia, coping strategies, medication, the need for support for caregivers, and other community resources. They did not know how they would accomplish any of this but declared they would "leap whatever tall buildings got in our way as we worked towards these goals".
The following year they incorporated and eventually found a permanent home for the organization. Over the next two decades many other talented and resourceful people have joined in picking up the reins and moving forward. Their successes have always been because of a very close knit team effort, an effort that has significantly contributed to making Glynn County a better place in which to live.
John Hartland, President
Jamie Clayton, Vice President
Maggie Glennon, Secretary
Dr. Gail Cowen
Hilary Kent
Yolanda Neely
Billy Copelan
Brooke Baskin
Greg Wellstead
Laura Martella
Jordan Tyre
Georgia Alzheimer's Foundation
Georgia Center for Nonprofits
Glynn County Parkinson's Group
Glynn Brunswick Chamber of Commerce
Julie Tharpe, Executive Director
Jordan Andrew, Activities Director