Sent in by IVY Marketing Group / Wendy Foster
Wise beyond her years, she's driven by love for her late grandmother and compassion for people whose lives are impacted by dementia.
Callie Cromartie is in the unique position of having the support and notoriety of the Miss North Carolina organization platform to help others, and she's putting it to great use.
The 17-year-old, who is a senior at Hoggard High School in Wilmington, North Carolina, has created Melodies Make Memories in a tribute to her late grandmother 'DeDe.' The grand matriarch of a musical family passed away at the age of 76 from Alzheimer's disease.
Callie, who is part of the Miss North Carolina organization, is drawing on her memories of her beloved grandmother to help and inspire seniors while also raising awareness about the impact of dementia on millions of Americans. It is her community service initiative required by the organization and has enabled her to pursue something about which she is passionate while increasing awareness.
It also has given her the stage at The Commons Memory Care at Brightmore.
Brightmore of Wilmington is a full-service rental retirement community offering independent living that supports a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. The Kempton and The Commons, both located on-site, provide assisted living and memory care.
Several times monthly, Callie, a talented singer and dancer, performs before an enthralled group of residents at The Commons. Callie's grandmother was a resident there during her final years.
Tanya Langley, activities director for The Commons, is enchanted by the impact Callie's presence and talents have on the residents. "The thing that amazes me with the music is that residents that are further along in their dementia journey still react to familiar songs. Residents who are unable to sing might hum or whistle. Residents who can't clap their hands will tap their fingers to the beat, and residents who can no longer dance will tap their toes. Residents who can't move and groove with us nod their heads or just have a sparkle in their eyes; you can tell they know the song or music. I really think that music is magical, and the fact that it is coming from a younger person just sparks that reminiscing with them. We had a resident tell other residents that she was their granddaughter," she said.
Callie created Melodies Make Memories with an understanding of the effect that music has on individuals with dementia. "Music is a gift that transcends disease and mental decline, and research has shown that music has therapeutic benefits for those affected by dementia. Music also helps bridge the gap between patients and caregivers," she said. Callie recalled while visiting her grandmother, she and her mother would sing. "DeDe would join in, remember words and sometimes even harmonies. We connected through the melodies in lieu of the memories. I want to be able to use my passion for the arts to help others have that experience as well."
Callie, who hopes that Melodies Make Memories becomes a permanent program, also hopes that it grows. Currently featuring singing, and as she continues on her musical path with the seniors, she's hoping to recruit other musicians, including instrumentalists, to join her. She's also excited about the possibility of integrating dancing into the program. "My hope and plan is for this initiative to cover all of the arts that incorporate music, not just singing. I have contacted the theater, chorus, dance, band and orchestra teachers at Hoggard High School in hopes of obtaining more volunteers. Basically, if the performance has music, it is welcome in Melodies Make Memories!
"I'm just very excited to get this up and running and hope that everyone can truly see how amazing this can be, not only for the people experiencing dementia but also for the performers getting to bless others with their gifts. It's just such a win/win!" Callie said.
Tanya is impressed not only by Callie's talent but also by her dedication. "I get a lot of students that want to come in and volunteer. Normally, it is a one-time thing to fill out some service requirements. This seems more special to me. Callie wants it to be an official and permanent program here," said Tanya.
"My DeDe would be so incredibly proud! She loved singing and all the arts, so that just makes the whole initiative ten times more special for me," said Callie.
Please access additional video footage here.
Callie & a resident of Brightmore | Callie
Brightmore of Wilmington
Brightmore of Wilmington is a full-service rental retirement community located in Midtown Wilmington, a community known for its bustling riverfront, moss-draped oaks in its 230-block historic district and island beaches. Brightmore of Wilmington offers independent living that supports a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. The Kempton and The Commons, both located on-site, provide assisted living and memory care. Brightmore of Wilmington is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a division of Liberty Health that specializes in senior living and retirement communities. To learn more about Brightmore of Wilmington, please visit www.BrightmoreOfWilmington.com. To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and the communities they offer, please visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com.