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.                                                                                                                                                                      

  Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation Supports Memory Matters Glynn $60,000 Grant Provides Local Support to Families Affected by Alzheimer’s & Dementia St. Simons Island, Ga., November 17, 2021: The Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation presented a  $60,000 grant to Memory Matters Glynn on November 16, 2021 to support its mission of  supporting, educating and enriching the lives of individuals dealing with memory issues and the  people who care for them. Located in Brunswick, Ga., Memory Matters provides free resources,  social activities for persons with memory impairment, individual consultations and support  groups in Glynn County. To learn more visit www.memorymattersglynn.com. 

 “We are so honored to support an organization like Memory Matters,” said Andrea Mickelson,  Executive Director for the Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation. “It is so important for those living with  cognitive issues to remain social and know their purpose and for caregivers to feel supported and  know they are not alone. Memory Matters provides that safe space and we are so grateful to have  this gem in our community.”

 Founded in May 2020, the Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit  organization whose mission is to support innovative research and community services for those  affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation  identifies leaders in the field who support our mission and vision and provides funding  opportunities to qualified beneficiaries through our annual fundraising efforts. 

 On September 25, 2021 the Foundation hosted the Golden Isles Alzheimer’s Walk at Neptune  Park on St. Simons raising over $80,000 to date. Funds raised from this community event not only  support Memory Matters, but also research being done at the Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease  Research Center at Emory University in Atlanta, whose mission is to improve the lives of  individuals affected by Alzheimer's and related diseases through innovative research, education  and compassionate care. 

Thank you to our Walk sponsors – Presenting Sponsor – Edward Jones of the Golden Isles;  Platinum Sponsors – Southeast GA Health System, Vitality Living Frederica, GHC Hospice, The Law  Office of Deborah L. Britt; Gold Sponsors – Signature Properties, Sea Island, Turnkey Lumber &  Millwork, Marsh’s Edge, Ameris Bank, Lilmar Properties, DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty – Tate & Terri Simpson, Saint Simons by the Sea Hospital, Steve Moreno – Capital City Home Loans;  Hearth Hospice; Purple Sponsors – Rich Products, Prime South Bank, Schell & Hogan; and Media  Sponsors – The Brunswick News and iheart Media. Special thanks to Vitality Living Frederica (formerly Thrive) who raised over $7,000 for the foundation by hosting the 2nd annual “Fore the  Memories” Golf Classic on October 11, 2021 at Sea Palms.  

To learn more about our mission please visit www.gaalz.org. 

NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Togetherness is the ethos of Sea Island Forge - it's at the heart of everything we create. A place. A ritual. Our Fire Kettles create that space for gathering with those we love and creating memories. Memories that tell the story of our lives.

So we believe it is especially cruel when those memories are lost to the ravages of Alzheimer's and other dementia. This holiday season we are donating a percentage of sales to Memory Matters locally in Glynn County, Georgia; and to Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Emory Hospital through the Georgia Alzheimer's Foundation. 

Like the memories created around them, our Fire Kettles are made to last for generations; and SIF is committed in the fight to protect those memories from being lost. 

For the perfect family gift from Sea Island Forge visit www.seaislandforge.com

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