The James M. Dixon Foundation is a non-profit, 501C3 organization that provides funding for many areas of Alzheimer's and Dementia related diseases, research, as well as support for Caregivers of adults with Alzheimer's and related Dementias through its Mindful Caring project. The Foundation will provide specific and guided assistance to:
Beginning in 2020, The Foundation will host an annual Fundraiser to take place on or around the 10th of August. Each event will honor a nominated Caregiver, a Health Provider, Researcher, Student, and Agency or Agency Director. There will also be a President's Award given. These awards include monetary gifts. This will be the major funding source for scholarships and research, although ongoing contributions and continual smaller events will take place throughout the year.
Mr. Dixon was born in 1927, in Chicago, IL. He was decorated in both the Air Force and the Army of the U.S. Armed Services, and was an accountant for the U.S. Postal Service. Mr. Dixon was a whiz in Math and on the computer, and he was very active in his community. In 1991, Mr. Dixon and his wife Mimi retired to Sun City Center, Fl. He was active in the Computer Club and continued volunteering to prepare taxes for many years. Mr. Dixon experience relatively good health well into his mid 80s, swimming 40 laps per day and traveling across the world. He won his battles with prostate, stomach, and lung cancers, however, in his late 80s, he became forgetful, lost some reasoning skills, and began to lose his balance, even forgetting how to use the computer and directions to his favorite restaurant. At the age of 88, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. During his short journey with the disease, Mr. Dixon retained his friendly and kind demeanor, greeting everyone he met with a smile. Although there were other circumstances that developed at the Assisted Living Facility, Mr. Dixon's journey ended at the age of 90, in 2018. His daughter, Dr. Lori, established The James M. Dixon Foundation in his honor, to bring awareness of the disease and other Dementia related illnesses, to support Caregivers, to recommend legislation protecting residents living at Assisted Living Facilities, to encourage and help fund research, and provide scholarships for students attending medical school. The Foundation envisions a world free of Alzheimer's disease, and provides opportunities to assist with that vision and allow others avenues to support that vision.
There are many organizations, in the United States and around the world, working to end Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Foundation supports and/or works with many of these organizations, because we sincerely believe that "alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." However, there are a few things that separate The Foundation from many of the other organizations. Instead of focusing in one or two areas, or only providing large scale support, opportunities, and activities, we support in many different areas. Some of these areas include:
Not only does The Foundation support organizations actively seeking to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, The Foundation supports those living with Alzheimer's disease, assisting in helping them live their best life with the disease, and we support care providers with mindfulness and meditation training, retreats, and specially designed courses.
The James M. Dixon Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, religion (creed), gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, the appointment of Board of Directors, hiring, firing of staff or contractors, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and provision of services.
It is important for Caregivers to take care of themselves as they take care of loved ones. The Foundation's Mindfulness Campaign provides mindfulness & meditation activities that encourage both Caregivers and persons living with Alzheimer's & related dementias to relax and refresh.
Daily meditation rituals help you to focus, relax, and gain control of your life and your environment. Meditation can provide peace and an ability take on the day without feeling frustrated, rushed, and unorganized. The Mindful Caring and Meditations Newsletter incorporates meditation techniques, suggestions, and resources.
We are sharing information relating to safe health practices during this Coronavirus pandemic season. We need to keep our loved ones as safe as possible, especially now. Frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, physical distancing, and wearing face masks are all practices that can keep our loved ones safe.
We spend our lives thinking about what we already did or are going to do, and we completely miss what we are doing. Learn to stay in the present and you'll enjoy life's little moments. (The Mindful Manual)
Dr. Lori provides a weekly Bedtime Story podcast for older adults. Dr. Lori's father enjoyed hearing her voice and having her read stories to him before he went to bed, so she decided to share them in a podcast. Join her on Spotify, Google Podcast and other outlets for Mindful Bedtime Stories. New stories aire every Monday.
The Mindful Caring Caregivers' Forum launches in November 2020. The Caregivers' Forum will discuss useful information that Caregivers need and most people don't want to talk about. We will share useful information on products and services, tips for caring for loved ones living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, and host community experts to answer your questions. We will also have giveaways of the products shown each month.
Copyright © 2018 The James M. Dixon Foundation, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.