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    Brian LeBlanc

    Brian LeBlanc (1960-2025)

    Brian LeBlanc (1960-2025)

    Co-Founder, We Are Dementia Strong
    A Voice That Echoes On

    Brian LeBlanc was a nationally respected Alzheimer’s and dementia advocate, keynote speaker, educator, and co-founder of We Are Dementia Strong. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Brian later made his home in Tampa, Florida with his life partner and care partner, Maureen Rulison, founder of Caregiver Support and Resources, LLC.

    Before his dementia diagnoses, Brian built a successful career in marketing and public relations in Pensacola, Florida. In October 2014, that path changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease—becoming the fourth generation in his family to receive this diagnosis. In 2019, he was also diagnosed with vascular dementia.

    But Brian was never one to be silenced.

    With a powerful presence and an open heart, he turned his diagnosis into a mission. He used his voice to speak not only for himself, but for the millions of individuals and families navigating the dementia journey. He honored his late mother—who also lived with Alzheimer’s—by stepping forward as a beacon of courage and truth.

    Brian quickly became an international advocate and educator. He served as:

    • A Congressional Alzheimer’s Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Association

    • A keynote speaker and panelist at conferences across the globe

    • A crisis intervention trainer for law enforcement

    • A founding board member of Thriving4Life

    • A member of Florida’s Dementia Care and Cure Initiative (statewide and for Pinellas & Pasco Counties)

    • A state spokesperson and brand ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Association of North & Central Florida

    • A former member of the National Alzheimer’s Association Early-Stage Advisory Group

    He inspired audiences from community centers to Capitol Hill. His message was simple, profound, and deeply human:

    “I may have Alzheimer’s, but Alzheimer’s doesn’t have me.”

    Brian’s presentations offered a raw and deeply personal perspective on what it’s like to live with a progressive, degenerative brain disease—not from a clinical viewpoint, but from the inside out. He spoke not only as a man living with dementia, but as a son, partner, and professional who lived life fully, intentionally, and with unwavering purpose.

    Together with Maureen, Brian co-created We Are Dementia Strong—a platform for education, empowerment, and support for those living with dementia and the care partners who walk beside them. Their work continues to impact lives across the country and beyond.

    Though Brian passed away in 2024, his voice still echoes. His advocacy, honesty, and humanity live on in every care partner he uplifted, every professional he educated, and every person he helped feel seen and heard.

    At We Are Dementia Strong and Caregiver Support and Resources, LLC, we remain committed to honoring Brian’s legacy—and to continuing the vital work he championed.