The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will host a community event on Saturday, Sept. 27, at its new, 11,500-square-foot Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center in Amityville to mark Grandparents Appreciation Month and raise funds for local dementia support programs.
The “Family Fun Day” will feature activities, resources and a special appearance by former New York Giants player and two-time Super Bowl champion Leonard Marshall. A $25 donation includes an autograph and photo with Marshall, with proceeds benefiting the center’s services for Long Islanders affected by dementia.
“We are thrilled to open our doors to the community and invite families to come together for a day of fun, connection and discovery,” Charles Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and CEO, said in a news release about the event.
The event “is more than just a celebration – it is our way of saying: this center belongs to you,” he added. “This intergenerational event is a celebration of family and community. We encourage everyone to attend, have fun, learn about the importance of brain health, and take a tour of the facility.”
About one in eight Long Island older adults have Alzheimer’s disease, according to published reports. The AFA aims to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide and to fund research for better treatment and a cure.
At the Sept. 27 event, attendees can learn about the center’s programs and services. Intergenerational activities will include creative arts, brain games and additional games for children, face painting, food, music, balloon artists and more.
The event will feature raffle prizes, including an autographed Giants football helmet signed by Marshall.
Diagnosed in 2013 with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a progressive brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, Marshall has since become an advocate for brain health. He has pledged his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation and founded two organizations – Brain Unity Trust and the Game Plan Foundation – to support research and raise awareness of neurological trauma in athletes.
Adina Genn
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