My mom's dementia diagnosis broke my soul. I'd already watched the disease rob my grandfather, Fred Holloway, of his brilliant mind. As I cared for my mom, Wheezy, during "the long goodbye" she forgot who I was, but with help from the Alzheimer's Association, caring professionals and good friends I learned how to join her in her world.

We had many wonderful moments together, singing Aretha Franklin in the car and dancing to Little Richard at the house. She never forgot her favorite songs or her signature moves. Music was my favorite way to connect with her and dancing was our exercise. It helped to ease her anxiety and my grief during what dementia carers call, "The Long Goodbye"

Since its creation in 2019, the Family Dance Party has been a celebration that links generations. Even our marketing team is a mix of ages coming together in support of the families of the estimated 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer's or other dementia. Involving children allows us to show them how to use social media for good and gives us a great reason to talk them about dementia and brain health. Why limit all that goodness to just one party? For 2024 we're shaking things up. Instead of our annual in-person party, we're bringing the party to you!

Key influencers, philanthropic companies and community connectors will still fuel the fundraising, but this year the $30,000 Family Dance Party fundraising goal will get a kick from a radio and social media campaign comprised of dance crews recording, posting, donating and tagging their friends, followers and connections asking them to do the same.   Here's how it will work:

~ Include the name of the family or dementia patient you'd like to honor or remember in the text of your video

~ We'll be awarding prizes and recognizing the most popular and highest fundraising videos so get creative, wear outfits from your decade of dances, have a total blast and encourage everyone in your circle to share your video and/or post their own and DONATE

~ There will be a live-streamed celebration for all generations at a special location (TBA) and we'll feature our top videos.

Thanks to supporters we have wonderful gifts for some of our dance crews. Charlotte City Club is offering a Chef's Counter experience for four with 2 bottles of wine from President Ronnie Bryant's locker. We've got gifts cards and a family 4-pack of tickets to see Cirque du Soleil CORTEO at Bojangles Coliseum on opening night, August 1st.

Do you remember your favorite moves and party tunes? Show me! Dance away the darkness of Alzheimer’s by making a donation and/or posting a dance video with the hashtags #FamilyDancePartyCLT and #EndALZ.

I can't wait to see your videos and to watch our Family Dance Party total rise!

THANK YOU for reading this far. Have fun with your video! THANK YOU FOR CARING.