I discovered my passion for Alzheimer's advocacy almost by accident. During my teens, both my paternal grandmother and two maternal loved ones were affected by dementia. However, it wasn’t until my first job as a young newlywed that I truly began to understand it. While awaiting my husband’s first duty station in the USAF, I worked as a receptionist at Kirby Pines Estates, a community for seniors. It was there I found my calling. A year later, when we moved to San Antonio, I knew I wanted to study diversion therapy with a focus on Alzheimer's care. That was 34 years ago. Since then, I’ve earned numerous certificates and continuing education credits in Dementia Studies from institutions such as UCLA, the University of East Anglia, and the University of Tasmania.Despite job offers and even a nomination to be an Alzheimer’s Ambassador for a Mississippi senator, I’ve chosen not to pursue full-time employment due to living with chronic pain. Instead, I dedicate myself to building strong community networks, often working as a Dementia Doula and supporting those experiencing homelessness, especially the sick. While my chronic pain has altered my career path, it hasn’t diminished my commitment.In 2017, I began exploring a new path as an end-of-life doula. Just 30 days after my biological father’s death from COPD, my stepfather, who raised me from the age of two, was hospitalized with a severe COPD exacerbation. I became his full-time caregiver, and for three months, I was his constant companion. Although he passed away suddenly in September 2018, I continued my doula training in his memory and named my service "Unbroken Circle," inspired by one of his favorite songs, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." I also co-founded a support group on Facebook for families facing dementia, grief, and healing While my services to my community led to the creation of a non-profit, Desoto Mutual Aid Collective, in 2023.Becoming an end-of-life doula is a natural progression after 32 years in dementia service. While I still enjoy educating families about dementia, helping them complete the journey with their loved ones has been one of the greatest honors of my life. It’s a privilege to be invited by families to assist with dementia care and to walk beside them as they guide their loved one home.