Medina Rios

Help Launch RISE for Mind & Memory: A Movement for Early-Onset Dementia Awareness, Mental Health and Family Support Our Goal: Building Hope, Support, and Resources for Families Facing Dementia Too Soon I am creating RISE for Mind & Memory because I know the heartbreak of watching someone you love lose pieces of themselves to a disease that changes an entire family. My mission is deeply personal. My mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia that affects people before the age of 65. But the most painful part was that her quality of life began changing long before we had answers. I watched one of the strongest women I have ever known slowly lose the independence, memories, and parts of herself that made her who she was. Watching someone you love change right before your eyes is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. Early-onset dementia is different. It often affects people who are still: Raising children Working and building careers Supporting families Planning for their future Many families are not prepared. Many do not know where to turn. Many struggle to find answers, resources, or support during the earliest and most frightening stages. My family also experienced the devastating impact of mental health challenges. When i was 23 years old, in 2003, I lost my father after his struggles with major depressive disorder and alcoholism. This was one of the triggers of my mother's condition. However, only after the diagnosis of EOD was she then diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These were struggles our family had suspected since her late teens, when she attempted suicide by lighting herself on fire. These behaviors put our family in hostile traumatic experiences that could have been avoided if we spent more time understanding the problems and took more of an initiative in helping her seek the care she needed much sooner. This stresses the importance of early detection. These experiences shaped my understanding that behind every diagnosis is a person—and behind every person is a family who needs compassion and support. That is why I am building RISE for Mind & Memory. RISE carries a deeply personal meaning for me. It is my now 4 year old son’s name, inspired by my wish that he will always rise above the difficulties and adversities life brings, while also representing hope, resilience, and the strength to keep going—even through the hardest moments. RISE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by: Early-onset dementia and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease Memory concerns, cognitive changes, and other mental health concerns Caregiver stress, grief, and emotional support Healthcare barriers faced by uninsured and underserved families Awareness of legitimate research opportunities and clinical trials Our vision is to create a place where families can turn when they first notice something is wrong—not years later when they are already in crisis. Funds raised will help us: • Establish RISE as a nonprofit organization • Create early-onset dementia education programs • Launch support groups for individuals and caregivers • Build healthcare and community partnerships • Develop resource navigation services for families who feel lost • Connect eligible individuals with research and clinical trial information Our goal is to raise $100,000 to build the foundation of this mission and bring much-needed support to families facing dementia earlier than they ever imagined. Every donation helps transform a personal loss into a purpose-driven movement. If you have ever watched someone you love struggle with dementia, cared for a family member, lost someone to mental health challenges, or believe families deserve support and hope, we invite you to be part of RISE. Together, we can help families recognize sooner, receive support earlier, and rise stronger through the journey. RISE for Mind & Memory = Recognizing • Inspiring • Supporting • Empowering With gratitude, Medina Rios Founder RISE for Mind & Memory