Sandy Halperin DDS – Persevering with Dementia – A Journey from the Clinic to National Advocacy

In a moving episode of the InVisible InCourage Show, Wayne Connell, founder of the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA), sat down with Sandy Halperin to discuss a life transformed by a series of profound, yet invisible, health challenges. Sandy’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience required when living with conditions the world cannot see.

From the Clinic to the Patient Chair

Sandy Halperin’s career began with a deep-seated inspiration for healing, influenced by his father’s work as a neighborhood pharmacy owner. He eventually pursued dentistry, specializing in prosthodontics, and went on to teach at the University of Texas and Harvard University.

However, his clinical career was impacted by the very tools of his trade. Sandy developed life-threatening breathing issues caused by dental aerosols—the particulate matter and bacteria released during drilling—which eventually forced him to leave clinical practice.

The Fog of Dementia

While working as a consultant for the Florida Department of Health, Sandy began noticing alarming cognitive gaps. He would review complex case files, only to have no memory of the details or names moments later when discussing them with attorneys. In 2010, this led to a diagnosis of early-stage dementia.

Sandy prefers the broader term “dementia” over specifically “Alzheimer’s,” noting that there are over 120 different types of the condition. For Sandy, dementia is just one part of a complex “comorbid” reality. He has been on a feeding tube for nearly seven years due to a surgery that damaged muscles and nerves in his neck, undergoes daily oral chemotherapy for a blood disorder, and manages significant lung and bronchial issues.

“But You LOOK Good”: The Invisible Struggle

One of the most frustrating aspects of Sandy’s journey is the disconnect between his outward appearance and his internal reality. He often hears the phrase, “But you look good,” from well-meaning acquaintances who are unaware that his chest feels “raw” or that he is struggling to breathe.

“It was like crashing in my brain. ‘But you look good, you know, Sandy, you haven’t looked so good. You look great.'”

Sandy found deep validation in the IDA’s cornerstone book, But You LOOK Good. He described the book and the association as a “counselor” or “therapist,” providing the emotional support and validation he needed to realize he was not alone in his struggle.

Advocacy and the CNN Connection

Sandy’s diagnosis didn’t mark the end of his productivity; instead, it sparked a new mission to share his story on a global scale. Driven by a desire to show that a diagnosis is not an immediate “death sentence,” Sandy spent months reaching out to major media outlets. His persistence eventually paid off through LinkedIn, where he successfully caught the attention of Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s senior producing team at CNN.

What began as a single outreach effort turned into a years-long collaboration. CNN featured Sandy in multiple segments, including a powerful documentary piece that followed him and his wife, Gail, as they navigated the daily realities of dementia. Sandy recalls the surreal moment when Dr. Gupta’s top producer called their home, a connection that allowed Sandy to demonstrate to millions that individuals with cognitive decline can still lead active, meaningful, and productive lives. By opening his home to the cameras, Sandy provided a rare, intimate look at the “new normal,” helping to strip away the stigma and fear often associated with the condition.

The Invisible No More Perseverance Award

In recognition of his unwavering commitment to the community, Sandy was honored with the Invisible No More Perseverance Award at the 2025 Evening with Invisible Disabilities and Awards. This prestigious honor is reserved for individuals who have faced overwhelming obstacles with extraordinary courage and have used their personal journey to light the way for others.

For Sandy, this award was more than just a personal milestone; it was a platform to further the mission of the IDA. Now serving as an IDA Ambassador, he speaks about “holding the baton” for the millions of others living with invisible conditions. He is passionate about bringing the association more visibility on the national stage, advocating for a future where invisible disabilities receive the same level of funding, research, and public empathy as more visible physical challenges.

Finding Courage in Connection

When asked what gives him the courage to face each day, Sandy’s answer is immediate: his family. Married to his wife Gail for 53 years, Sandy draws strength from his two daughters and five grandchildren.

His final message to his fellow ambassadors and the public is one of unity: he wants to spark a movement where individuals stop working in “silos” and start communicating together to bring invisible disabilities to the forefront of national awareness.