Meet our founder
A daughter's promise.
Dr. Vondra Armstrong
01
It started with Mary
The inspiration for Angels Against Alzheimer's comes from a place of deep love, personal devotion, and a ten-year journey of caregiving. Our founder, Dr. Vondra, watched her mother, Mary Armstrong, navigate the unpredictable path of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Mary spent 33 years molding young minds as an elementary school teacher in the Memphis and Shelby County School system until her retirement in 1991. Throughout her life, she was a vibrant force of nature: a dedicated mother, a loving wife, the First Lady of her husband's congregations, a volunteer tax official, and a world traveler who lived every single day to the absolute fullest.
02
The lesson her mother taught her
Always proactive, Mary took charge of her health early on when she noticed subtle changes in her memory. Following the passing of her husband, her daughters stepped in to wrap Mary in a circle of support. Since 2016, Mary has received various levels of dedicated companionship and caregiving. For over a decade, Mary has shown what it means to live with unyielding grace and dignity, making Alzheimer's look small in the shadow of her giant spirit. But she has not walked this path alone. The incredible caregivers, whom we affectionately call "Angels," have provided the tender, respectful, and high-quality care she so deeply deserves.
03
Why a foundation
Driven by this profound experience, Dr. Vondra knew she had to create a lifeline for other families walking this same road. In June 2022, Angels Against Alzheimer's was officially born. We launched our public mission in November 2024 with a beautiful, sold-out inaugural fundraiser featuring A Motown Christmas at the Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis, Tennessee. Angels Against Alzheimer's is built on a two-fold promise: to honor the unmatched resilience of those living with the disease, and to uplift the everyday "Angels" who care for them. Today, our volunteers work tirelessly to raise awareness, provide vital education, and deliver radical compassion to individuals living with Alzheimer's and related illnesses, as well as the family members and caregivers standing by their side.
04
The first night
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the foundation held Caregiver Night Out at Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis. Dr. Vondra chose that moment with love: she held the night while her mother was doing well and in good health, so Mary could be right there to participate, surrounded by the angels who care for her.
Timeline
Our journey
June 2022
Founded and recognized by the State of Arkansas
May 2023
Launched the non-profit with family and friends
October 2023
Alzheimer's Association Walk in Memphis, TN
November 2023
Alzheimer's Association Walk in North Little Rock, AR
November 23, 2024
First Fundraiser at Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis, TN
November 2025
The non-profit focused on building a strong operational foundation by completing intensive business development and financial management training, setting up its accounting infrastructure, and securing professional marketing services.
February 20, 2026
Meet and Greet
October 2026
Renamed to Angels Against Alzheimer's Foundation and website launched
This is personal. That is the point.
Angels Against Alzheimer's is not a big machine. It is a daughter, a mother, a circle of caregivers, and a growing community that refuses to look away. If this story sounds like your family, you belong here.
Dr. Vondra Armstrong, Founder, Angels Against Alzheimer's Foundation