Stephanie Burbridge-Hall never imagined she would become the lifeline keeping her mom’s world from falling apart. She returned to her childhood home to care for her mom, Shirley Burbridge, who suffers from dementia.
Stephanie talks about her mother with deep compassion. Before Stephanie’s dad passed away, his final request was for her to take care of his wife.
After his passing, Stephanie noticed her mom’s cognitive decline was becoming more noticeable. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, spouse bereavement was significantly associated with higher cerebral white matter hyperintensity, contributing to neurodegeneration.
At first, she did everything she could to support her mom’s independence. However, with each visit, it became clear her mom needed more help.
“That is when I decided to be here, onsite,” said Stephanie.
Stephanie decided to keep her mom at home, where she has lived since 1971, in Columbus’ Mt. Vernon neighborhood.
“I chose to keep her here, at home, to love on her and protect her because of everything [love and support] she’s poured into others,” said Stephanie.
During the interview, the two shared a lighthearted moment when Stephanie, laughingly, admitted that they sometimes get on each other’s nerves. Her mom responded with a smirk and an eye roll.
“Our relationship has strengthened,” said Stephanie. “I think that God has put this moment in place for us to bond.”
Shirley calls Stephanie a “go-getter.”
Stephanie works two jobs and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Although Stephanie is an ambitious person, she admitted to experiencing moments when caregiving and work are overwhelming. She leans heavily on her faith in God, and on the support of her friend and sorority sister, Dr. Pamela Gregory, founder of the African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA) and creator of Uplift Her.
AAMWA’s Uplift Her, is a health and wellness initiative, focusing on informing and empowering women of color to take responsibility and prioritize their health. It exists alongside AAMWA’s flagship programs such as Black Men’s Wellness Day and Real Men Real Talk.
“I have been following the Black Men’s Wellness Day since it started,” Stephanie said. “But once I became Pam’s sorority sister and started following her, everything just blossomed like a flower. She has a love for women and sisterhood.”
In November 2025, Stephanie attended an Uplift Her event called “Mimosas, Mentors & Mentees Luncheon,” an experience she said came when she needed it the most.
“It was so many beautiful, powerful women in that room that loved on each other,” said Stephanie. “It wasn’t about position or title; it was about love.”
Uplift Her events provide life-saving health screenings, helping women detect risks earlier and access critical care.
“Uplift Her has been changing lives by helping women of color take charge of their health,” said Dr. Gregory.
After the event, Stephanie felt renewed and sure of her health.
“I walked out of there, and it gave me a breath of fresh air to know that I can keep moving, and I got my sisters there with me,” she said.
Refreshed from the event, Stephanie recalled a joyful moment with her mother.
“While she was showering, I was getting her together, and she looked at me and said, you make a good caregiver,” said Stephanie.
For Stephanie, words like those from her mom and support from Uplift Her gives her strength no matter how heavy the days become.
