Two Jones County High School graduates recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to represent not only their respective communities but also their hometown of Gray, Georgia, at the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum.
Phyllis Kitchens Thurmond, a member of the Jones County High School Class of 1981 who now resides in the Atlanta area, and Bonita Pitts Jenkins, Class of 1982 who now lives in Augusta, joined advocates from across the nation to meet with members of Congress and advocate for continued investment in Alzheimer’s research, caregiver support, and access to care. Both women proudly represented their hometown, where many of their family members still live.
Thurmond serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter, while Jenkins attended the forum as both a family caregiver and the 2026 Augusta Walk to End Alzheimer’s Chair. As the primary caregiver for her mother, Jimmie B. Pitts of Gray, who is living with dementia, Jenkins shared firsthand how Alzheimer’s disease impacts families every day.
“It was an honor to represent not only Augusta, but also my hometown of Gray and Jones County,” Jenkins said. “I’m especially grateful to my cousin, Phyllis Kitchens Thurmond, who introduced me to Alzheimer’s advocacy and inspired me to use my voice for families facing this disease. Together, we were proud to represent where our journey began.” The annual AIM Advocacy Forum brings together advocates from all fifty states to meet directly with congressional leaders about policies that support those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as their caregivers. This year’s forum included more than 1,000 advocates participating in over five hundred congressional meetings on Capitol Hill. “Every conversation with policymakers is an opportunity to put a face to this disease,” Thurmond said. “Alzheimer’s affects families in every community— including Jones County—and it is vital that we continue advocating for research, resources, and support.” They both encourage residents of Jones County to learn more about Alzheimer’s advocacy and to contact their members of Congress in support of legislation such as the ASAP Act and the AADAPT Act.
— Contributed
