Event to support Memory Matters Music + Memories: Q

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON

Fear, despair, and uncertainty — all are common feelings for those crossing the threshold of Memory Matters.

The nonprofit center, located at 2803 Sherwood Drive, Brunswick, has welcomed countless patients and families who are facing one of life’s worst fates — losing precious memories.

It’s something Julie Tharpe understands well. The executive director of the center has experienced it herself.

“I know how hard it is. I know what these caregivers go through. I reached out to (Memory Matters) when my mom was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, that was back when it was Alzheimer’s of Glynn, right before they switched over in 2016. That’s when they rebranded to Memory Matters to expand and include all types of dementia,” she says.

“It was such a huge help for the road I was about to go down. Later, I went to a fundraiser for Memory Matters and found out more about who they were and what they do, so I joined the board.”

The residential location, owned by the hospital but rented to the organization, is stocked with games, educational materials, and space for all. Most importantly, the programs and support they offer are all free to those who seek them out.

“The hospital rents it to us for basically nothing and we are eternally grateful for their support. We couldn’t do it without them,” she says.

“We have a lending library where people can come in and check out books. We have something on every form of dementia for caregivers and patients. We have resources from all of the Alzheimer’s organizations in one place. We keep it all here so they don’t have to call 900 places to get it.”

In addition to offering resources, they also offer critical socialization programs.

“We offer caregiver connections and support groups five times a month. We do those in Brunswick, St. Simons, Jekyll, and Darien. They’re able to come and share what they’re going through,” Tharpe says.

“We also have events at the house where patients can socialize, which is so important. It’s so easy to become isolated, both for the caregiver and the patient.”

There are weekly yoga classes, Bingo games, movie screenings, Musical Mondays, and light brain teasers.

“… just little ones to get them thinking. We have a little social event every month, a little party where we sit and talk,” she says.

“Sometimes we have dances. We have lunch and learns about different topics that they can benefit from.”

Patients must be accompanied by their caregivers during the activities, but they’re incredibly beneficial for both.

But in order to keep the mission going, they must have funds. That’s where one key annual event comes in — Music and Memories. The evening, set for 4 to 8 p.m. April 24 at the A.W. Jones Heritage Center on St. Simons, offers attendees auctions and raffles in addition to plenty of music.

“Music is one of the last memories that people lose. At Memory Matters, we can play the piano and sing the words to a song … and while they might not know the name of the song, they remember the words. It’s amazing,” Tharpe says.

“So the night will be a celebration of music. We will start out with classical music. Then, we will have Michael Hulett, who will play some jazz. We will end with Yolanda Neely, who’s a DJ and can play all kinds of music,” she says.

“All these artists donate their time. I cannot tell you what it means to us.”

• Memory Matters will host its Music and Memories fundraiser from 4 to 8 p.m. April 23 at the A.W. Jones Heritage Center. For tickets, visit memorymattersglynn.com.