Free public event October 8 continues the Memories Do Matter Speaker Series
Mark Sennet
Memory Matters will host photographer and Emmy-nominated producer Mark Sennet on Thursday, October 8, for “A Celebrity Photographer Turns His Lens to Alzheimer’s,” an intimate conversation on creativity, identity, and living with Alzheimer’s disease. The free program runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Grace Community Church, 450 Spanish Wells Road, Hilton Head Island. Registration is required.
Before his career in film and television, Sennet spent 25 years as a Time-Life photojournalist and celebrity photographer for Life and People magazines. His assignments took him around the world to photograph presidents, royals, sports legends, and cultural icons, among them Muhammad Ali, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Barbra Streisand, Andy Warhol, Paul Newman, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and Cher.
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2022, Sennet is now using his life’s work to raise awareness and help destigmatize the disease. Alongside his daughter Lauren and the Atlanta Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, he is producing a coffee table book of his photography, past and present, while sharing a personal story of resilience, purpose, and hope.
“Too often, conversations about Alzheimer’s happen around the person living with the diagnosis rather than with them. Mark’s willingness to speak openly reminds us that a diagnosis does not erase creativity, identity, or purpose. Hearing his story firsthand will help our community replace fear and stigma with understanding, connection, and hope,” said Jill Horner, executive director of Memory Matters.
The Memories Do Matter Speaker Series is presented by Dave Ekedahl and brings nationally recognized voices to the Lowcountry for free public programs on dementia, caregiving, and brain health. The October event is sponsored by Grace Community Church and the Hilton Head Firefighters’ Association.
The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited, and registration is required. To register, visit www.mymemorymatters.org/events or call 843-842-6688.
Additional work can be viewed at www.sennetphotography.com.
About Memory Matters
Founded in 1997, Memory Matters serves individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) in Beaufort and Jasper Counties, with locations on Hilton Head Island, in Bluffton, and in Beaufort. Its mission is to create communities that support individuals and families living with the impact of dementia and to be a leader in brain health. Programs include adult social day and caregiver respite, caregiver education and support groups, brain health education, and free memory screenings. Learn more at www.mymemorymatters.org.
