JAMES DR. LORI

Tell everyone who you are and what you do.

I’m Dr. Lori-Renee Dixon James, however, my friends call me “Dr. Lori.” I am the Founder, CEO, and President of The James M. Dixon Foundation for Alzheimer’s Research and Support, a non-profit, 501c3 charitable organization established to assist to people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers/partners.

Let’s talk about the “James M Dixon Foundation” and the motivation behind it. The Foundation was established in 2018, which is the year my father’s journey with Alzheimer’s ended. The Foundation was born out of sadness, grief, anger, and a desire to assist the group of people who failed in the care of my father. Once the anger subsided, I realized that Caregivers are the ones who need the most support, information, and training in order to intentionally care for and assist people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. My thought was if Caregivers learned how to better care for themselves and were given information on how to care for their care recipients, their desire and ability to care, in an intentional way, would increase. Therefore, The Foundation was born. I started with a box, The Mindful Caring Pampering Box, and I thought that The Foundation would distribute Pampering Boxes to caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. We then adopted a couple of Assisted living facilities to provide training and information to caregivers employed by the facility, as well as loved ones of residents living at the facility. However, I quickly realized that the need is so great, and the workers are so few, so The Foundation began increasing its programming and services.

care for people in the Alzheimer’s and related dementia community, especially in underserved communities, while providing information, training, and resources to help make their journey just a little bit easier. We are even here just to hold their hands and listen.

Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I see The Foundation providing services and support in all 50 states and abroad; expanding the services offered or implementing planned services, such as The Caregiver’s Retreat; having physical locations in several cities; having a core group of at least 100 volunteers; being a major contributor of scholarships for students in medical school; and being a force in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease. Of course, the strategic plan offers more information that explains these goals more specifically and within a timeframe. However, the most far-reaching goal that I hope to accomplish, within the next 5 years, is a retreat center for caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. This would be a place where loved ones can move about freely and enjoy the surroundings, and caregivers will be pampered, learn more care and self-care techniques, and relax for a few days without caregiving concerns.

What has been one of your greatest accomplishments in your career?

August 19, 2023) The Purple Affair (Sunday, August 20, 2023) to include a charity bike ride, The Purple Wheel, and The Annual Intentional Caregiver’s Luncheon Workshop.

Tell us 3 words that would describe your future. Extraordinary, Busy and Relational.

What advice can you give to the next generation?

How would you define your purpose?

My purpose is to love, support, and

One of the greatest accomplishments of The Foundation, I would have to say, is The Purple Affair. The Purple Affair started in my home, free of charge, and with approximately 112 guests. This was the first time we celebrated those in the caregiving arena with trophies and other gifts. The Purple Affair ’22 was held at a major hotel with approximately 288 guests. The Purple Affair ’23 is expected to welcome over 350 guests and expand the opportunity for caregivers to participate for free. This year’s event will also encompass activities the day before (Saturday,

The advice I give my daughter, who is 23, is to be intentional in whatever you do. Even though you may not be able to see your future, or you don’t want to think about it right now, you must intentionally plan for it, because of the Lord willing, it will be here sooner than you think. In the meantime, learn how to intentionally take care of yourself. Do not hesitate or put off making yourself a priority. Enjoy your life. Think about what you want out of it and go for it. Do what makes you happy and don’t wait for anyone else to do it for you. Remember that you are the prize and treat yourself like you know it. Finally, the last and maybe most important piece of advice I would give is to be kind. Make kindness the core of who you are, and if life ever gives you an opportunity to give back or support someone, do it with grace and humility.

Are you working on any new projects or upcoming events?

Yes, we have a few projects that we are working on for 2023. Here are just a few: • As I mentioned, we have two new projects taking place the day before The Purple Affair. The Purple Wheel: Annual Ride Charity Bike Ride (walkers and runners are welcome) will take place the Saturday prior to The Purple Affair, August 19, 2023. The event will begin at 8:00am @ The Silver Comet Train, in Atlanta, GA. Net proceeds will benefit Morehouse School of Medicine students studying brain health, neurology, and geriatrics.

• The Annual Intentional Caregivers’ Luncheon Workshop, which will take place the Saturday prior to The Purple Affair, August 19, 2023. The event is scheduled from 1:00-5:00 pm@ The Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel in Atlanta, GA. We are excited to present an outstanding ensemble of specialists, experts, and professionals who will provide information, respond to questions, and conclude with amazing prizes, valuable resources, and dedicated support.

• The Purple Affair 2023: The Purple Affair is The Foundation’s signature annual fundraising event where amazing advocates, caregivers, leaders, and organizations are honored, and support is secured to continue the work of The Foundation and provide scholarships for medical students studying geriatrics, brain health, and neurology. Information, tickets, and sponsorships are available @ https://thepurpleaffair.swell.gives.

• The Brain Health and Care Symposium: The Brain Health and Care Symposium is held annually to provide participants with current information on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, nutrition, hydration, brain health, eldercare, mindfulness and other areas of self-care and care for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Various types of screenings are provided, vendors are available, as well as experts from various agencies participate. The Brain Health and Care Symposium takes place in July @ the Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta.

• JumpStart Intentional Caregiving Program launches April 23, 2023. More information will be available at https://intentionalcaregives.com.

Where can the readers follow you?

More information can be found using The Foundation’s email address: https://thejamesmdixonfoundationinc. com.

Membership to The National Caregivers’ Support Network can be found using this link: https:// thenationalcaregiverssupportnetwork. org