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A 2022 breast-cancer survivor, Sylvia launched her signature brand, Sylvia D. Wray — 

“The Advocate”, in 2024 — a platform dedicated to education, advocacy, and empowerment through public speaking, consulting, workshops, and coaching. In 2025, she represented the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter in Washington, D.C., and was featured in both Iconique Magazine (April 2025) and Bike Culture Magazine (August 2025) for her leadership and advocacy.

Sylvia’s influence shines through her long-standing partnership with Southern Crescent Women in Business (SCWIB). She has been featured on multiple magazine covers and billboards throughout South Metro Atlanta, Georgia, earning distinctions such as 2021 Non-Profit of the Year, 2023 Top 50 Women of Influence, and 2024 Solo Cover Feature. Her association with SCWIB highlights her leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to empowering women in business.

Additionally, Sylvia was featured on the cover of Game Changers Magazine’s 2021 

Alzheimer’s Awareness Edition, a tribute to her advocacy, visibility, and service. She has also received proclamations from the City of McDonough, City of Stockbridge, City of Locust Grove, and Clayton County, among numerous awards for service and leadership.

Sylvia is the CEO & Owner of SDW Marketing Firm, SDW Bling Boutique, and The Advocate, a Leader in Southern Crescent Women in Business, and a proud member of The Lyngale Agency (TLA). She serves on the Board of Directors for Home of the Brave, Living Well Adult Day Care, and Midway Ventures, Inc. Through every role, Sylvia continues to inspire hope, amplify caregiver voices, and lead with purpose and heart.

The Advocate: 

Honoring the Heart of Care 

By Sylvia D. Wray The Advocate

A Month to Remember

Every November, two powerful observances align — National Family Caregivers Month and National W Disease Awareness Month. For me, these aren’t just calendar events. They are deeply personal reminders of the journey that shaped my purpose — a journey filled with faith, patience, and love. These national observances remind us that behind every statistic is a story, and behind every story is a caregiver — showing up, holding on, and giving hope each day.

My Journey: From Daughter to Advocate

My caregiving journey began in 2002, when my mother, Ruby Dennis, suffered a ruptured aneurysm. That moment changed both of our lives forever. By the following year, I had become her full‑time caregiver, learning what true devotion meant one day at a time. After her second brain surgery in 2006, my mother was diagnosed with dementia. I had already begun noticing the subtle changes — the memory lapses, the quiet confusion, the forgotten names. Through it all, I learned that caregiving is not just about physical care — it’s about emotional courage. It’s about faith that sustains you when you don’t have answers, and love that pushes you to show up again tomorrow. Each day with my mother deepened my empathy and strengthened my resolve to advocate for others walking this same path. From that experience, The Advocate was born — a platform dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting caregivers through awareness, resources, and storytelling.

The Meaning of November

November is more than an observance — it’s a reminder that caregivers are not alone. According to the Alzheimer’s Association: More than 11 million family members and other unpaid caregivers in the U.S. provide care for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. In 2023, those caregivers provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care — nearly 31 hours per week per caregiver.

– Approximately 70% of dementia caregivers report that coordinating care is stressful.

– 83% of all help provided to older adults in the U.S. comes from family members, friends, or other unpaid caregivers.

– Nearly two‑thirds of dementia caregivers are women, and one‑third of caregivers of people with dementia are daughters.

The Caregiver Action Network further reports that more than 53 million Americans provide unpaid care for loved ones with chronic illness, disability, or memory loss. Caregivers’ efforts form the foundation of compassion in our communities — yet their own needs often go unseen.

Support & Resources

Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter

24/7 Helpline: 800‑272‑3900 — caregivers can call for confidential support, crisis referrals and education.

 alz.org/Georgia — local support groups, caregiver training, and resources.

Caregiver Action Network (CAN)

caregiveraction.org — national advocacy and educational tools for family caregivers.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

Local AAAs provide a broad range of caregiver support services, such as:

– Information/referral for caregiver support and services.

– Counseling, support groups and caregiver training.

– Respite care, minor home modifications, and supplemental services.

To find your local AAA, use the government directory: eldercare.acl.gov

The Advocate’s Promise

As The Advocate, I believe in celebrating caregivers not only in November but every day. Caregivers embody strength through service, courage through compassion, and resilience through love. My message is simple: You are seen. You are supported. You are essential. Through outreach, workshops, and storytelling, The Advocate stands as a voice for those who give care with open hearts and steady hands. My goal is to continue building a community where caregivers feel valued and equipped to care for themselves as much as they care for others.

“Caregiving is love in motion — let it carry us through every season.” — Sylvia D. Wray, The Advocate

Closing Reflection

This November, as we honor caregivers and raise awareness for Alzheimer’s, I dedicate this story to the families like mine — those who have turned challenges into advocacy, and pain into purpose. My mother, Ruby, remains the heart of The Advocate. Through her journey, I found my calling — to ensure no caregiver ever feels invisible again.

Sylvia D. Wray The Advocate –

http://www.sylviadwray.com  – @sylviadwray

Shonkeya Shaw-Mahone, makeup artist

Sonji Monroe, Speaking Pieces Boutique Stylist

Cover Photo by Secure Ent Photos

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