The Faces of Young Onset Dementia

History of YES!

In 2013, a social support group

PALS (Pretty Awesome Ladies), was co-founded by Deborah Hanna and Lynda Lockard to support the social and emotional needs of women managing a dementia diagnosis of their husband or partner, with an initial emphasis on young-onset dementias.
For good reason, PALS is the group nobody wants to join. Yet these women welcome each other with companionship, empathy, and support that is deeply and uniquely experienced. It’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking that PALS has grown to be such a haven for so many women.

You Are Not alone

For Families

You are not alone! Let us connect you with your village: resources for children, partners, parents, and siblings

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Our Stories

Read about journeys from diagnosis through disease progression

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About Us

Why and who we are: learn about our mission and founding, and meet our board and committees

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Donate To YES!

How you can support our mission: learn more about donating to YES! and the programs we support

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Our Programs

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Wellness Retreat

YES! recognizes the profound challenges faced by care partners of loved ones with young onset dementia (YOD) and offers transformative support through its Care Partner Wellness Retreats.

Education and Advocacy

YES! board and support group members actively participate in research conferences, presentations, and round tables to share our personal stories with the aim of creating needed understanding and change.

Support Groups

Support groups are essential for families facing a young-onset dementia (YOD) diagnosis because they provide connection, understanding, and relief in a journey that often feels isolating and overwhelming.