Tony Gonzales is a life-long resident of Santa Maria,California. He is 50 years old and living well with Early Onset Dementia. Tony enjoyed a 25-year career in radio broadcasting, known to his listeners as “Chief.” He also had successful careers in real estate, banking and advertising. Most recently, he worked as a community development manager for the American Cancer Society.

“This disease picked on the wrong person,” Tony said. “After a moment of self-pity, I decided to fight back. Dementia is a horrible thing and I wish I didn’t have it, but it has provided an opportunity to use my voice to make a difference.”

Tony has served on the National Early Stage Advisory Group and the national Board of Directors for the Alzheimer's Association. His advocacy work has led him to testifying at the Ways & Means Committee at the United Capital. He has shared his dementia story with thousands at numerous events and has been featured in many nationwide publications like the Washington Post, Today.com, and the New England Journal of Medicine. His story with his wife and Care Partner Kori, was featured in a Gdavis film documentary called, “Living with Love”. Together Tony & Kori are working and advocating to end this disease, fund research, and to spread their message to live for today!