Phoenix Founder Uses AI Music to Help Families Reconnect Through Dementia

David Romanelli, bestselling author, wellness innovator, and founder of Forevify, launched the company after a deeply personal experience with his father-in-law, Kirk McCarville, an Ironman triathlete who has been navigating dementia in recent years.

Kirk once completed 100-mile ultramarathons, multiple Ironman races, and Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim crossings of the Grand Canyon. As dementia gradually changed his ability to communicate and connect, Romanelli searched for another way to reach him. Together, they began creating music.

Each week, Romanelli captured Kirk's words — sometimes only a few — and used AI music tools to turn them into songs in the style of the artists Kirk loved most, including The Eagles, Jimmy Buffett, and Coldplay.

The songs became an album called Running on the Trails. When the songs played, something unexpected happened: Kirk smiled, tapped his feet, and sang along.

"Even when ordinary conversation became difficult, music still reached him."

The experience inspired Romanelli to create Forevify, a platform designed to help families stay connected with loved ones living with dementia by turning life stories into meaningful songs.

Families can share memories, receive songs inspired by those stories, and discover new ways to stay connected when traditional conversation becomes difficult.

More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, and millions more family members are navigating the daily realities of dementia alongside them.

Forevify demonstrates a positive use of AI — helping families preserve stories, celebrate identity, and deepen human connection.