If you have not heard of her yet, it is likely you will in the near future. She is making her way across the world as a symbol of Hope, Protection, Inspiration and Universal Team work to raise awareness for those who have dementia related illnesses. The Purple Angel symbol was designed by Norman McNamara of Devon UK and Jane Moore, a care giver from Cornwall. She is becoming known as a global emblem for dementia awareness and is often seen in the windows of store fronts or locations that have received dementia awareness training. You may see her on the flag of an individual’s home as they show their support for dementia awareness, on a piece of jewelry or dancing about on a T-shirt in all her purple glory announcing her dementia awareness cause. Sightings of the Purple Angel are being reported everywhere from the UK, Australia, India and now the United States!
Norman McNamara was diagnosed with early onset dementia at the age of 50. He found the courage to reach through the bars of his disease and become a catalyst to set free a movement designed to empower people with dementia and help the world better understand what dementia is…and isn’t. Norman started a movement that continues to grow. He founded the Dementia Awareness Day, has authored four books, and is a true pioneer for the world to follow in dementia advocacy through projects such as the Purple Angel. Joining forces with others like Jane Moore, Norman’s Purple Angel Campaign has helped business owners and shops across the world become educated on what it means to have individuals with dementia as patrons. Services and supports are growing where non existed before. People are becoming more involved and most importantly, those living with dementia are LIVING better lives. To learn more about Norman and the Purple Angel Campaign, visit www.purpleangel-global.com
This Purple Angel flies free for us all with the hope that one day we too will all be free.
Thank you for Sharing. I am inspired by you all and what the Purple angel represents. My grandmother lived with AD for 13 years, and our family went through the journey. Because this disease impacted our lives is what moved me to get into the field of geriatric care managing,educating communities about AD and related dementias, and becoming a certified dementia practitioner. My passion is helping family Care Partners, and loved ones with the disease. I facilitate a local caregiver Support Group. I previously worked for the Alzheimer’s Association for 18 years between Ohio and Down here in Florida where I live. I would love to hear back from you how I can become a part of this Purple Angel movement. I am anxious to make my County dementia friendly and have started looking on how to move forward. I have support in my community to get this stated. Can you advise me and give me some direction, and if the purple angel emblems can be ordered when we start getting businesses, hospital etc. On board. Thank you and God bless you all. Lisa Rodriguez, Avon Park, Florida-Highlands County
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your comments and for being willing to help lead your community to initiate a dementia friendly project. Please explore the Purple Angel web link in the recent Purple Angel post. You will find much of the information you are seeking there. Also, it will be helpful to become a Purple Angel Ambassador. The information on how to do this is found there as well. Blessings and best wishes as you embark upon this much needed endeavor!
Mary Ann
It is all good
I had my gorgeous mum took away from me and my kids with Vascular Dementia.Now she’s in heaven I have gained passion to help others get prepared.The Purple Angel has given me strength to get out there and make changes to help people going through what I did.TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER xx
I can’t wait for the purple angel to hit the states. My mom has vascular dementia and it is advancing. We are now looking at being Hospic in.
God Bless to all the caregivers and the patient with this terrible disease.