A powerful stage production and educational resource that tells an intergenerational story of a child and his grandfather facing Alzheimer’s.

The Remember Balloons production is a children and family focused arts, education, and health initiative centered around Alzheimer’s disease. Based on the award-winning children’s book, this work sets out to increase awareness of Alzheimer's disease nationally and to equip children and families with the language and resources necessary to both communicate about and cherish memories amidst the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

The Award Winning Children’s Book

Meet the Production Team

  • Dominic Moore-Dunson

    Co-Producer/Director/Choreographer

  • Ashley Moore-Dunson

    Co-Producer

  • Theron Brown

    Composer/Music Director/Arranger

  • Scott Leathers

    Production Manager/Lighting Designer/Scenic Designer

  • Inda Blatch-Geib

    Costume Designer

With a special thank you to our contributors

Emily Kamwesa

Curriculum Writer

Rachel Christian

Graphic Designer

Sponsors

The Bautistas Family

David Dobish

Margaret & Phillip Lloyd

Gary and Georgia Miller

Mike & Julia Pasternak in memory of Doug Moseley

Red Balloon Sponsor

Roger & Sally Read

Rev. Dr. Mark & Margaret Ruppert in memory of Eleanor M. Ruppert

Susan & Terry Yingling

The Laura Berick Foundation

Akron Children’s Foundation

Bob and Cherly Barson in memory of Tish Barson

Elaine Y. Moore

Synthomer Foundation

Yellow Balloon Sponsor

Harvey and Kimberly Nelson Family Foundation

Trina Carter

Akron Community Foundation

Blue Balloon Sponsor

Purple Balloon Sponsor

GAR Foundation

H. Peter Burg Fund

PEG’s Foundation

Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation

Silver Balloon Sponsor

Pink Presenting Balloon Sponsor

Anonymous

And a special thank you to University of Akron’s President and Mrs. Gary Miller for their leadership and support

What inspired this project?

When Dominic and Ashley stumbled upon 'The Remember Balloons' at their local library in Akron, OH, they were moved to tears. This emotional experience sparked a conversation between these two high school sweethearts that they had never explored. Ashley shared her own story of her grandmother's struggle with Alzheimer’s, recounting how she had wished for a book like this during her childhood. This reflection prompted Dominic to reach out to the author, expressing their appreciation and inquired about the possibility of adapting the story into a stage production.

Four months later, they secured the exclusive North American rights to the book, with the goal of transforming it into a stage show that would touch the lives of thousands of families and children in need of experiencing this powerful narrative.

The Remember Balloons is a multifaceted narrative , portraying a family's need for connection in the face of Alzheimer's. Audiences will witness the innocence of a child grappling with how his Grandfather is changing. They'll see a mother juggling the care responsibilities of her child while mourning the loss of a parent still physically present. And they'll experience the journey of the man losing everything he once knew.

As the 6th leading cause of death, Alzheimer's disease affects more than 6.7 million Americans, with projections indicating that this number will reach 13 million by 2050. Despite its prevalence, the stories of those impacted by Alzheimer's are still not being widely shared and heard, even as they become increasingly common.

Through the show, K-5 education curriculum, workshops, and community partnerships, Dominic and Ashley aim to cultivate a space for genuine connection, sparking meaningful conversations and insights. By engaging with children and families on a deeper level, this project strives to empower them not only academically but also emotionally and socially.

Dominic and Ashley are dedicated to shedding light on and honoring all individuals impacted by Alzheimer's, regardless of age or role within the family.