When you meet Sandra Kiser, you feel it instantly—that calm strength, that laser-focused presence, that spirit of someone who’s not just been through the fire but is building something beautiful from the ashes.
Sandra isn’t just raising awareness about Alzheimer’s—she’s redesigning the entire narrative. As a caregiver-turned-advocate, her mission is clear: no family should face this disease in silence, confusion, or shame.
We sat down with Sandra to talk about the personal story that lit the fire in her, the innovative ways she’s building community, and why she believes Alzheimer’s advocacy needs to be just as strategic as it is compassionate.
Dr. Pam Perry: Sandra, thank you for sharing your heart and your mission with us. Let’s start with your why. What moved you from being a caregiver to becoming a full-time advocate?
Sandra Kiser: Thank you, Pam. My journey began when my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I became her primary caregiver, and it shook me. Not just emotionally—but logistically, financially, spiritually. I realized quickly that most families weren’t prepared for this. We didn’t have a roadmap. And I said, “If I’m struggling this hard with resources and access, how are others managing?” That’s when I knew I couldn’t just care for my mother—I had to care for the community too.
Perry: That’s powerful. What were some of the biggest challenges you noticed right away?
Kiser: Honestly? Information overload—but no direction. You can Google for hours and still feel lost. So I started creating my own resource guides, connecting with experts, and learning what actually helps. Another major challenge was stigma. In many Black and Brown families, we don’t talk about cognitive decline. We say, “She’s just getting old.” And that delay in diagnosis? It costs us time, money, and sometimes dignity. I knew I had to speak up.
Perry: And speak up you did. But you didn’t just start talking—you started building. Tell us how you’ve innovated in this space.
Kiser: I realized that awareness alone isn’t enough—we need activation. So I started doing pop-up memory screenings in local churches. I built a mobile caregiver toolkit that people can access from their phones. I created peer support networks on Zoom for caregivers who can’t get away from home. I even worked with barbershops to hand out Alzheimer’s info with every haircut. Because awareness has to go where the people are.
Perry: Now that’s innovation. You’re blending cultural relevance with smart strategy. Why do you think that’s been so effective?
Kiser: Because people listen when they feel seen. When I host workshops, I’m not coming from a place of pity—I come from experience. I lived this. I understand the hesitation, the heartbreak, the fear. But I also bring solutions. My advocacy is not about gloom—it’s about empowering people with knowledge, support, and action steps.
Perry: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about Alzheimer’s?
Kiser: That it’s not just about memory loss. It’s about identity, independence, and relationships. And that caregiving is a full-time job—emotionally, spiritually, financially. Families need support, not judgment. They need guidance, not guesswork. And most of all, they need to know that they’re not alone.
Perry: You’ve become a true voice for families in this space. What keeps you going?
Kiser: My faith. My mother’s legacy. And every caregiver who whispers, “Thank you—I didn’t know who to talk to.” That fuels me. Because this isn’t a job, it’s a ministry. I’m here to break barriers, build bridges, and make sure no family walks this journey in the dark.
Perry: And you’re doing just that. So, what’s next for Sandra Kiser?
Kiser: I’m working on launching a Caregiver Masterclass Series—bite-sized, actionable sessions with experts from legal, financial, and medical fields. I’m also partnering with local school districts to educate younger generations about brain health and family caregiving. Because this is not just a senior issue—it’s a family issue, a community issue, and a generational one.
Final Thoughts from Sandra:
“If we want to change the future of Alzheimer’s, we must start by changing the conversation today. Don’t wait until it hits your house to start caring. Get informed, get involved, and most of all—get loud.”
💜 Follow Sandra’s advocacy journey and access caregiver resources by contacting her at. You can find Sandr Kiser at https://www.facebook.com/sandrarkiser/, https://www.instagram.com/sandrarkiser_alz4all/#, www.linkedin.com/in/sandrakiser19
