Shon’s Story
“I live every day purposefully. I’m not going to let anything ruin my day, because every day is a gift for me.”
—Shon Lowe
Showing Up: Shon’s Journey as a Caregiver, Working Mother and Advocate
At work, Shon Lowe is the person everyone counts on.
As an office corporate concierge, she keeps things running, lifts the mood in the room and stays calm when the unexpected happens. Her coworkers know her as dependable and always ready and willing to help. Shon continuously shows up for herself and others while also living with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease.
Her diagnosis hasn’t changed who she is. If anything, it has strengthened her determination to live with intention and purpose.
Alzheimer’s first became part of Shon’s life through her mother. While raising her two daughters, she spent years serving as her mother’s caregiver. Doctor’s appointments, difficult conversations and an often-confusing health care system became part of everyday life.
“Daughter, caregiver, mother, advocate. I wore all these hats.”
Supporting her mother showed Shon how difficult it can be to get the right care and inspired her to help others advocate for themselves and their loved ones.
Recently, that advocacy became personal when Shon began noticing changes in her own memory. At first, it was brain fog and forgetting everyday tasks.
“My other half would say to me, ‘Shon, why are you leaving these cabinets open?’”
Sticky notes helped her stay organized but then came moments she couldn’t ignore.
“My youngest daughter one time, she said, ‘Ma, I think you need to be checked.’”
When her primary care doctor’s assistant initially attributed her symptoms to menopause, Shon trusted her instincts. Drawing on everything she had learned while advocating for her mother, she kept pushing until she received a referral to a neurologist.
“This is my life. I still have control. It’s up to me to have the power to speak up.”
While waiting for her neurologist appointment, she sought out her own genetic testing, which showed she carries the APOE-4 gene, a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Eventually, Shon was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease. The diagnosis was overwhelming.
“I thought about my children, and I thought about my mother and my family. I thought about other people than myself.”
But after taking time to process the news, Shon decided it wouldn’t define her. For Shon, seeking answers early gave her the opportunity to plan ahead, make informed decisions and continue showing up for the people she loves. She focused on what she could control: exercising and reducing stress.
“My life’s not going to stop here, so we’re going to have to fight.”
She still loves going to work, connecting with people and creating a positive environment.
“Just because you’re diagnosed with a certain cognitive issue does not mean that you need to stop.”
Today, Shon continues to share her story to encourage others — particularly with women in communities of color who face higher rates of Alzheimer’s and are often less likely to receive an earlier diagnosis.
She hopes to inspire them to ask questions early, trust their instincts and insist that their brain health be taken seriously.
“I live every day purposefully. I have a great day on purpose. I’m not going to let anything ruin my day, because every day is a gift for me.”