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Development - Meet Our Donors
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Ken Rabb and Stuart Post
A public interest attorney, Ken Rabb’s life was
turned upside down seven years ago when he was
diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s at the age
of 52. This rare form of the disease accounts for up
to 10 % of Alzheimer’s cases and aff ects people under
the age of 65.
The presenting scientists were Mary Sano, PhD,
Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Alzheimer’s
Disease Research Center at Mount Sinai School of
Medicine, and her colleague, Hillel Grossman, MD, Co-
Director of the Clinical Core of the Alzheimer’s Disease
Research Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine
and the Clinical Director of Mount Sinai Memory and
Aging Center.
Now in the mid-stages of the disease and six years
after his diagnosis Ken — once an amateur artist —
has turned what used to be a hobby into a fl ourishing
full-time endeavor. He even exhibited his work in a
local Harlem café, Tanto Dulce, with sales benefi tting
the NYC Chapter. Ken and his partner, Stuart Post,
have donated over $500 from the sale and support of
his work.
Ken’s artistic process, which was once belabored
with technical precision, has developed into one
that is more organic, free and creative. His exhibit
comprised nearly 40 pieces—from wall paintings to
hand painted Chinese soup bowls.
Stuart has been a long-time Chapter supporter and
Memory Walk top fundraiser several times running. He
recalls when Ken was an intensely intellectual person.
Now his art gives him reason to smile often.
Stuart has been very creative and sensitive in designing Rabb’s home care. He didn’t simply
want an aide. A unique part of Ken’s experience is his relationship with Jane Hart, his paid
caregiver. Jane’s interest in his artwork mirrored the
close-knit relationship the two have come to share
over the past two years. According to Jane, “Stuart
uses the word ‘peer,’ someone who goes to museums,
who reads books like Kenny read when he read
books.” Jane considers her work with Ken among
the most rewarding things she has ever done and has
been more than happy to step into the role of “studio
assistant.” Ken continues to be healthy and robust, so
he and Jane can spend hours exploring the city, going
to all fi ve boroughs.
Stuart knows that despite his best efforts, there is
going to come a time soon where he can’t change the situation. “I can’t hug Ken and say
everything will be all right. Everything is not going to be all right.” But for now, they are all
enjoying life one day at a time.
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