We were lucky to catch up with Genevieve Haldeman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Genevieve, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

In August 2024 I started a non profit, ‘Dancing for Memories’ as a tribute to my mom who is currently battling Alzheimer’s disease. She was diagnosed with the disease 5 years ago. Her father passed from Alzheimer’s and her sister is currently at the end stage of the disease. ‘Dancing for Memories’ is dedicated to empowering and supporting caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Why the name? Because my mom loves to dance. Even as her disease progressed, I could turn the music on and she’d start dancing. We then started dancing together and it was as if I had my mom back in those moments. Dancing with my mom are memories I will hold in my heart forever.
The mission of our non profit is to provide resources as well as financial assistance to those who selflessly care for others. We strive to enhance the well-being of caregivers through a strong network of support and advocacy efforts, ensuring caregivers have the tools and encouragement needed to thrive. By fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, we aim to create a world where caregivers are recognized, valued, and equipped to continue their essential work with confidence and resilience.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

“𝑁𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑢𝑝, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒“ ~ 𝑃ℎ𝑦𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑠 𝐴𝑛𝑛 𝑊𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠 ♥️ There are no truer words then when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and dementia. In September 2022, I started an Instagram account as a tribute to my mom, Phyllis Walls, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019. What started as a way to document my mom’s journey with the disease quickly became a place of love, kindness and support. I never expected that we would connect with so many others on this journey with their loved ones. What I also discovered was just how much caregivers are struggling. Struggling to find support, struggling to find resources and struggling financially. This made me want to do more. Which is why I started ‘Dancing for Memories’, a non profit charity, which aims to raise awareness and provide much-needed assistance to caregivers, our unsung heroes. Our mission is to provide resources as well as financial assistance to those who selflessly care for others. Together we dance for memories and we support those who are dancing through the challenges of being caregivers.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I didn’t know much about Alzheimer’s when my mom was diagnosed with the disease and I knew even less about how to care for someone with the disease. This things I’ve learned along the way are to
1. Listen
2. Don’t correct
3, Be patient
4. Redirect when necessary
5. Let your loved one know things are going to be ok.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

January 2024 my mom began to take a turn with her disease. I decided at that time to take a step back from my career selling real estate to be with my mom more, she needed more help at this time so we stepped in to be there for her. By the end of March 2024 she was placed on hospice, after she could no longer walk. I am so grateful to have spent those months with my mom, before the disease really took hold.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dancingformemories.com
• Instagram: @phyllisann922
• Facebook: @phyllisann922
• Other: Tik Tok: @phyllisann922