Amadora Legacy Project

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Amadora Legacy Project

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We create lasting gifts of love by capturing the life stories of those with life-limiting illnesses.

10/15/2026

“I don't take for granted opportunities offered to me and I make the most of the time I have.” 🩷

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re honored to share the perspective of a woman living with Stage IV breast cancer who recorded her Amadora legacy video several years ago when she wasn't sure what the future would hold. Fast forward four years and she continues to thrive on her cancer journey.

Her message is a meaningful reminder to embrace the opportunities in front of us as they come. You don’t have to wait for a certain moment to share your stories, reflect on what matters most or give your loved ones a piece of your life to hold onto.

At Amadora, we believe every eligible individual facing a life-limiting illness should have the opportunity to save their stories and share what matters most with the people they love.

This month, we’re grateful for her reminder to make the most of the time we have and to say yes to unexpected opportunities.

10/14/2026

What will your loved ones wish they could hear you say 20 years from now?

A legacy video isn’t just a recorded conversation. It’s a time capsule. It is a way to save the exact sound of a laugh, the wisdom of a lifetime, and the stories, memories, and messages that your family will want to carry forward for generations.

Our Legacy Coaches and professional videographers work hand-in-hand to create an experience all about the participant and the people they love. We aren't just hitting the record button—we are saving a family's history.

Curious how the process works? Link in the first comment.

10/12/2026

Over the weekend, we joined the Alzheimer's Association Iowa Chapter community for the Alzheimer’s Walk. It was an absolutely beautiful day. ☀️💜

For families living with Alzheimer’s, memories and stories can take on a deeply personal meaning. The opportunity to save a loved one's voice, experiences and perspective can become an important part of a family's story.

We're grateful to have been part of a day centered around connection, support and families. Thank you to everyone who walked, volunteered, participated and continues to support families affected by Alzheimer's. Learn more about Amadora: https://www.amadoralegacyproject.org/about

10/07/2026

Most people frame family photos, but this family framed a recipe card for a completely different and hilarious reason.

When this handwritten “ham ball” recipe was found after Great Grandma passed, the family didn't frame it because it was a famous family favorite. In fact, she had only made it a couple of times!

They framed it because of what happened the last time she made them - a moment at the dinner table that the family still can't think about without laughing. Today, that framed card isn’t just a recipe. It's a permanent reminder of a moment of pure joy.

Legacy isn’t just about the serious moments. It’s also a reminder about the times that make us laugh until we cry.

This , we're celebrating all the different ways families save their stories. If you want to start capturing your family's stories, check out our latest blog for some inspiration: https://www.amadoralegacyproject.org/news-stories-events/legacy-storytelling-changes-families-the-science-behind-saving-your-life-story

10/06/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁?

It can mean hearing a familiar voice again.
Remembering the little things that made someone who they were.
Having stories to return to on the days you miss them most.
And giving future generations the chance to know the person behind the memories.

These are just a few of the people who have experienced that gift firsthand.

Their stories remind us why saving someone’s voice, personality and memories matter.

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺.

10/01/2026

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝘀? 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀.

It sounds simple, but research suggests there’s more to family storytelling than just saving the past.

Studies have found that children who know more about their family history tend to have stronger emotional well-being, greater confidence and a stronger sense of identity and belonging. Stories about how their families faced challenges can also help children build a more resilient understanding of their own lives.

𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱.

In her latest blog post, Amadora founder Dr. Amy Hughes explores the science behind legacy storytelling and shares six simple ways you can start recording your family stories today.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀. Link in the first comment.

09/29/2026

Four years ago, Amadora began with a purpose: to put storytelling at the heart of end-of-life care, creating emotional heirlooms that help families cope and connect.

This month, we've celebrated the moments that started Amadora, the families who have trusted us with their stories, and the people who have helped this mission grow.

To our participants,
Our families,
Our Legacy Coaches,
Our volunteers,
Our videographers,
Our partners,
Our donors,

And everyone who has shared, supported, or believed in this work:

𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒀𝑶𝑼. You are part of the legacy we're building. Here's to the next chapter.

09/25/2026

Some stories stay with you.

Over the years, Dr. Amy Hughes has met people and heard stories that have stayed with her long after the moment passed.

As we celebrate four years of Amadora, Dr. Hughes is sharing three of those stories with us. Three people, three moments, and three memories she still carries with her today. Watch as she shares the stories she hasn't forgotten.

09/22/2026

𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭. It means stories saved, memories captured, and families given something they can hold onto for generations.

Over the past four years, we've had the privilege of:
📽 80 legacy videos filmed
👥 400+ immediate family impacted
💜 24 volunteers
🕰 10,000+ volunteer hours given to this mission

Each number represents a life touched, a story honored, and a legacy saved.

Thank you to every participant, family, volunteer, donor, videographer, and partner who has helped make this impact possible.

This is what four years looks like. And we're just getting started.

09/19/2026

It’s our four‑year anniversary, and I’ve been reflecting on what it really takes to build something that honors people’s lives and legacies. This message has been on my heart.

Address

1011 N Ankeny Boulevard, #1155
Ankeny, IA
50023

Telephone

+15152070140

Website

http://www.amadoralegacyproject.org/

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