A gift to The MIND Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) reflects Stephanie and Brian Rippee’s desire to help improve treatment options, expand research efforts and strengthen the network of specialists caring for Mississippi’s aging population.
The Jackson, Mississippi, couple’s contribution was inspired by their family’s experience with dementia, particularly the final years of Brian’s father, Doyle, who died in 2023 after a steady decline apparently accelerated by COVID-19.
Through that journey, the Rippees’ familiarity with the vital role The MIND Center plays in caring for patients and families while advancing research into Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia became deeply personal.
“When he passed away, and considering Stephanie’s involvement with The MIND Center, I knew my dad would have wanted our family to make a contribution toward fighting this disease,” Brian Rippee said. “I saw firsthand how quickly dementia can accelerate. It was very scary and very sad.”
Encouraged by a friend, in 2009, Stephanie Rippee became involved with The MIND Center and gained a deeper understanding of its mission after serving on its advisory board. Years later, the family sought care for her husband’s father through the center.
“When we moved Brian’s parents here in 2022, we were already familiar with the center and the work it was doing,” she said. “We were able to get Brian’s father into treatment there with Dr. (Gregory) Jicha, who was fantastic.”
Brian Rippee recalls the uncertainty and heartbreak that often accompany dementia, particularly as symptoms worsened over time. Yet amid the hardship, he remains grateful for moments that many families lose much sooner.
“There wasn’t a long period during which he didn’t remember people,” Rippee said. “I consider that a blessing.”
Because dementia diagnoses are expected to rise dramatically in coming years, the Rippees believe Mississippi must continue to invest in research, education and specialized care.
“We’re facing a tremendous increase in dementia cases as our population ages and life expectancy increases,” he said. “We don’t have enough gerontologists in Mississippi. To the extent that our gift can help support research, uncover treatments or cures and strengthen the network of providers caring for these patients, that’s what we’d like it to accomplish.”
The Rippees believe The MIND Center is uniquely positioned to meet those needs. They see the center as an essential resource for patients and caregivers and moreover as a leader in neuroscience, aging and dementia care.
“The importance starts with the fact that we’re going to have a significant number of people who need treatment,” Brian Rippee said. “Beyond that, it’s an opportunity for Mississippi to have a true center of excellence. Having a nationally recognized resource like this lifts the entire state.”
Stephanie Rippee has seen that impact through her MIND Center’s board service.
“We recently wrapped up the capital campaign for the new center,” she said. “For the last several years, fundraising for the standalone building has been our primary focus. I think the new location will significantly improve access and enhance services for patients and their families.”
The Rippees hope their gift will help accelerate progress against a disease that touches countless families across Mississippi and beyond.
“Stephanie and Brian’s generosity reflects both compassion and vision,” said Dr. Tom Mosley, the Robbie and Dudley Hughes Distinguished Chair and Director of The MIND Center. “Their gift honors the memory of a beloved father while helping advance groundbreaking research, patient care and caregiver support at The MIND Center.
“We are deeply grateful for their commitment to improving the future for families affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” he continued. “Stephanie’s service on our board and her chairmanship of the fundraising committee demonstrates her dedication to this cause, and we appreciate the gifts of her time and talent.”
By investing in research, treatment and the next generation of providers, the Rippees said they hope to ensure that future families facing dementia will have more answers, more resources and, one day, better outcomes.
To support The MIND Center, visit http://www.umc.edu/givenow/ or contact Ryan Mains, Director of Philanthropy and Engagement-The MIND Center at rmains@umc.edu or 601-815-4299.
By Bill Dabney/UM Foundation