John's Story
A LIFE OF SERVICE, A JOURNEY OF HOPE
At Memory Matters, every day we see the difference that compassion, connection, and care can make in the lives of families facing dementia. The heart of our mission is found in the stories of the people behind the diagnosis.
John has lived a remarkable life. A graduate of Princeton University and the U.S. Naval Academy, he proudly served 30 years in the Navy, including time in Vietnam, before a successful career as a civil engineer in NJ working on infrastructure projects, bridges, and highways. Married to his beloved wife, Patricia, for over 57 years, they raised two children together and often vacationed in Hilton Head Island.
When Patricia passed away in 2017, John moved permanently to Hilton Head, a place that felt familiar and comforting. Not long after, he faced a cancer diagnosis. He fought bravely and beat it, but the treatments left their mark. His family moved close by to help him, and though his health improved, his memory began to change.
John has always been a man of faith and a social leader in his community. When COVID restrictions began, it was hard for him to grasp why church, such an important part of his life, was suddenly off
limits. Then one day, while his family stepped out briefly, something happened that had never occurred before—John climbed into his golf cart and drove from the Crescent in Bluffton to Sun City on Highway 278, determined to go to church. Six anxious hours later, his family received a call saying that he had been found safe. Shaken by the experience, the very next day his family enrolled him in Project Lifesaver®, a radio frequency tracking program through the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, so he could be located quickly should anything like this ever happen again.
John has always been a man of faith and a social leader in his community. When COVID restrictions began, it was hard for him to grasp why church, such an important part of his life, was suddenly off limits. Then one day, while his family stepped out briefly, something happened that had never occurred before—John climbed into his golf cart and drove from the Crescent in Bluffton to Sun City on Highway 278, determined to go to church. Six anxious hours later, his family received a call saying that he had been found safe. Shaken by the experience, the very next day his family enrolled him in Project Lifesaver®, a radio frequency tracking program through the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, so he could be located quickly should anything like this ever happen again.
Recognizing his deep need for social interaction and purpose, his family discovered Memory Matters. They enrolled John in our Memory Care Adult Day Respite Program in 2022, where he now thrives. He began with one day a week and now attends twice weekly, proudly riding the Palmetto Breeze bus to and from the center, regaining a sense of independence he treasures.
“Since Dad started in the respite program, he’s gotten back the social interaction he was missing. Being around friends and engaging in activities has lifted his spirits, and I know he feels less isolated.”
At Memory Matters, John enjoys healthy meals, therapeutic activities including art, music, and pet therapy to support cognitive health, and, most importantly, the joy of social interaction. He loves sharing Navy stories with fellow participants and staff. His son and daughter-in-law are grateful for the time to rest, run errands, and attend appointments, knowing John is safe, engaged, and happy.
Thanks to Memory Matters, John can continue living at home with his family, surrounded by love and familiarity. After a day in the program, John comes home tired but fulfilled, rests better, and is more engaged with those around him. While dementia may rob John of short-term memories, Memory Matters has given him, and his family, the gift of purpose, connection, and quality of life.
Your gift to Memory Matters ensures that families like John’s receive the support, connection, and care they need. Together, we can help more people living with dementia in the Lowcountry continue to thrive at home, surrounded by love and dignity.