The Alzheimer’s Association, NYC Chapter
continued to make a splash in the media over the
past few months, helping to raise awareness about
the disease and the many programs and services we offer.
TThis year’s “Forget-Me-Not” Gala was front and center
in the news thanks, in large measure, to the wonderful
contributions of some of today’s — and yesterday’s
— hottest stars of stage and screen. David Hyde Pierce
(Curtains, Spamalot, Frasier), Kate Burton (Grey’s Anatomy,
Rescue Me), Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, Hair) and
Tom O’Horgan (named Broadway Director of the Year
in 1968 by Newsweek Magazine) helped to catapult the
Chapter onto the pages of The New York Times, Backstage,
Playbill, Variety, Broadway World, Theatermania, New York
Social Diary and Mann about Town in stories about the Gala
and all who helped make it a tremendous success.
Chapter President and CEO Lou-Ellen Barkan said,
“Through their advocacy, art and willingness to share their
deepest personal stories, David, Kate, Jonathan and Tom have
each contributed significantly to increasing the national
dialogue about Alzheimer’s. For this we are deeply grateful.”
Perhaps the crowning glory of this quarter’s media coverage
was a two-page profile of the Chapter in Mann on the Street,
a glossy new magazine catering to Wall Street. Written by
Susan Sugarman, Director of Marketing, Communications
and Events for the New York City Chapter, the article made a
strong case for why people who work in the financial industry
should be concerned about the anticipated explosion in the
number of people who will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
disease over the next few decades.
In the article, Susan wrote, “Make no mistake. This
“perfect storm” is on the way. If each of us — ordinary
citizens, family caregivers, government leaders, business
leaders and the financial community, philanthropists and
members of the medical community — plays our part, we
can head off this national crisis. We need a bull market in
investment, commitment and service.”
“It is vital that we all work to heighten
public awareness about Alzheimer’s so that
people start to understand dementia and how to
recognize it,” said Lou-Ellen Barkan. “Here at
the Chapter, we’re doing our part to increase
awareness on all fronts, within our own
community, at the office water cooler and in the
halls of government. The Chapter will strive to
keep the disease front and center, and the media
will continue to be an important tool in our
efforts.”
Central to the Chapter’s community outreach efforts
are our many support groups and educational forums.
These continue to be highlighted in local community
papers across the city. Several media outlets, including
Crain’s New York, also ran items promoting an important
community forum organized by the New York State
Coordinating Council for Services Related to Alzheimer’s
Disease and Other Dementias. Our very own Jed Levine,
Executive Vice President and Director of Programs and
Services, plays a key role on the Council. These statewide
meetings allow people living with Alzheimer’s disease and
dementia, as well as caregivers, family members and service
providers, to voice their opinions about the state of care
and services available for the Alzheimer’s community.
Alzheimer’s Awareness Day at Shea Stadium (July 9th) also
got a nice write-up in the New York Daily News.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Jed’s “Ask the
Alzheimer’s Expert,” monthly column in The Queens
Courier. If you have a question, please send it to Jed at
expert@alznyc.org.
— Colleen Roche, Managing Director
Linden, Alschuler & Kaplan, Public Relations
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