About Us
The Mindfull Foundation, a 501(c)(3), is dedicated to funding cutting-edge Alzheimer's research to accelerate breakthroughs, with the ultimate goal of discovering a cure and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by the disease.
Honoring Mickey
1957-2019
In 2013 at 54 years old, Michael "Mickey" Lee Wakely was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Faced with the harsh realities of this disease, Mickey and his family decided to channel their energy into making a difference. They started the Mickey’s Mania Golf Classic in 2015, combining Mickey’s love of golf with a mission to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. That effort evolved into creating The Mindfull Foundation. When Mickey passed in 2019, he was ever committed to the cause and donated his brain to the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases. His legacy lives on through his family and the foundation, fueling hope for a future without Alzheimer’s disease.
Our Team
Samantha Melton
Mickey’s Daughter & Foundation Director
“Creating the Mindfull Foundation has been a way for me to channel the grief of losing my dad into something positive. I am so proud of the strides we are making in helping support Alzheimer’s research and look forward to the day when a daughter hears her father’s diagnosis and can plan for treatment rather than plan for saying goodbye.”
Contact me: swakely@mindfullfoundation.org
Jake Wakely
Mickey’s Son & Foundation Director
“My father always told me “We will figure it out.” This is a motto he stood by until his final days. Whether small issues or big life changes. When he told me of the diagnosis, he said, “We will figure this out.” He knew it would be a battle and one he would likely lose. This was him passing the torch for me to figure out life and ensure I guide the family as well. Our foundation is rooted in figuring out the cure to this terrible disease.”
Contact me: jameswakely@mindfullfoundation.org
Jane Wakely
Mickey’s Wife & Foundation Member
“I’m engaged in the Mindfull Foundation because I fear the hereditary factor of this disease. I want to eradicate this disease for my children and their children and all future generations. I want there to be hope with a diagnosis.”
Lukin Wakely
Mickey’s Son & Foundation Member
“This disease impacts anyone with a brain in more ways than we could ever imagine. It’s devastating, and I’m proud to be marching towards a cure. I am proud of what my Dad started and honored to continue it until Alzheimer’s no longer exists.”
Kate Crosby
Mickey’s Sister-in-Law & Foundation Member
“I’m engaged in the Mindfull Foundation because this disease needs all hands on deck to support the patient and raise funding to combat the theft of cognitive thinking, memory loss, recognition and so much more. Mickey wanted to do whatever he was capable of doing to help researchers find a cure. We honor his legacy by supporting research.”
Letter from the Directors
We are so thankful for your support and generosity to our mission over the past 10 years. The Mickey’s Mania Memorial Golf Classic has been a staple in bringing new and old friends and family together for an amazing cause. While Mickey is no longer with us, we are confident the Golf Classic will be a reflection of the energy and entertainment in which Mickey lived every day of his life.
Since 2019, we have provided over $160,000 in grant funding to UTSA through the Brain Health Consortium. The amazing generosity of our sponsors, donors, and participants has allowed us to empower a PhD student in out-of-the-box and innovative research. In 2024, we established The Wakely Family Endowment for Alzheimer’s Research. This will enable us to ensure forever funding and a lasting legacy.
We appreciate your help so far and hope you will continue with our family as we raise awareness and dollars for help and a cure.
Feel free to reach out to any of us if you have questions about the Mindfull Foundation, the Golf Classic, or other ways to get involved.
We look forward to seeing you at the Golf Classic in March!