The annual Alzheimer’s awareness walk raises over $550K

The 36th Annual CaringKind Walk for Alzheimer’s, held on October 19, 2024, in Central Park, successfully raised over $550,000 for Alzheimer’s awareness and support initiatives.

As participants strolled through the scenic Central Park, they honored loved ones impacted by Alzheimer’s while raising crucial funds. The walk concluded at the starting point, providing an opportunity for post-walk festivities and celebrations.

A Celebration of Hope and Resilience

There were performances prior to the walk that contributed to the festive atmosphere of the event. Attendees enjoyed performances by the Blue Angel Dancers, Flash Mob Dancers, and Chinese Lion Dancers before the Opening Ceremony began.

Bill Ritter and Mike Marza, both prominent news anchors from ABC7, took the role as Masters of Ceremonies. They introduced community leaders and honorees during the event.

Several honored individuals were recognized for their contributions to the Alzheimer’s community:

Vicki Schneps was awarded the Building Awareness Award for her efforts in championing brain health awareness through her media platform, Schneps Media.

Senator Bill Perkins was honored with the Family Caregiver Award for his impactful work in advancing community well-being in Harlem and advocating for dementia rights. His wife, Pamela Perkins, accepted the award on his behalf.

Additionally, Senator Cordell Cleare attended the event as a strong supporter of CaringKind, highlighting the community’s collective effort to raise awareness on brain health.

Walking Together for a Cause

Attendees enjoyed the scenic two-mile route through Central Park. The walk began at the Naumburg Bandshell and took participants along paths that showcased the park’s beautiful fall foliage, creating a picturesque backdrop for the event.

Supporting Caregivers Every Step of the Way

The Atrium at Oak Crest in Elgin has announced the launch of a monthly dementia caregiver support group, set to begin on November 12th. This initiative aims to provide essential assistance and resources to community members caring for individuals with dementia. This initiative encourages community members to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.

If you or someone you know is caring for someone with a memory impairment, cognitive challenges, or a dementia diagnosis, we invite you to join our support group

Susan Cincinelli

Caregiving can be a lonely and difficult journey, but LaVon Lenaway and her company, Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services LLC, are leading the establishment of this support system. The group will meet regularly, offering caregivers an avenue to address the unique challenges they are facing.

CaringKind on a Mission

CaringKind’s mission is to ensure that no one faces the challenges of dementia alone so they provide comprehensive support from diagnosis through end-of-life care. They offer public awareness campaigns, research collaborations, and advocacy efforts to inform public policy.

Their commitment also includes developing partnerships within the community to enhance resources and training for caregivers, thereby ensuring that all individuals affected by dementia receive the trusted support they need.

CaringKind’s mission is a beacon of hope for patients. They emphasize the need for compassion, understanding, and resources. Their advocacy efforts inform public policy and foster a culture of awareness about this critical issue.

By working together with community partners, they develop innovative solutions for dementia care.

CaringKind’s Events for a Cause

With over 45 years of experience, CaringKind provides a range of services designed to assist caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia at every stage of the disease within New York City. Their goal is to ensure that everyone receives the support they need, regardless of background or challenges faced.

CaringKind shines a spotlight on the expanding demand for care and support services in response to the dedication shown by caregivers to those patients.

They host several key events to raise awareness and advocate for individuals and families affected by this issue.

For example, the annual walk is New York City’s longest-standing Alzheimer’s awareness event, held annually in Central Park. The most recent walk took place on October 19, 2024. The event helps them raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s and related dementias while promoting brain health education.

Additionally, the support group led by Lenaway shows that impact of CaringKind’s mission and efforts not just for the patients but also for the caregivers.

Comprehensive Approach towards Brain Health

CaringKind’s comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia care is designed to address the multifaceted needs of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. This model serves as a benchmark for other organizations in the field, focusing on both patient care and caregiver support. Here are the key components of this approach:

CaringKind provides specialized living arrangements for individuals with varying levels of support needs. This includes options for those who require minimal assistance as well as those needing more extensive help with daily tasks.

Furthermore, the organization offers programs specifically designed to cater to the memory needs of residents, ensuring that care is personalized and effective.

Recognizing the demands placed on caregivers, CaringKind provides short-term breaks that allow caregivers to recharge while ensuring their loved ones receive appropriate care.

Through partnerships, such as with Isaac Health under the GUIDE Model, CaringKind offers an interdisciplinary team that provides care navigation, education, and support directly in patients’ homes. This model emphasizes the importance of having a coordinated approach to care that includes medical professionals, social workers, and dementia specialists.

Importance of Public Awareness on Raising Funds

To navigate the path of their advocacy with greater confidence, the organization’s efforts to raise public awareness helps them raise funds to protect their mission.

All their efforts to provide resources for the patients and caregivers cause a stir in the community to help in their advocacy.

The annual walk is a testament to their dedication to this cause. They raised crucial funds for critical programs and services. As they continue on this journey together, they still acknowledge the vital role caregivers play in supporting loved ones with dementia.

This is why Atrium at Oak Crest’s support group exists. This group highlights the importance of ongoing education and community engagement for caregivers. With this collaboration, the community can work on addressing the complexities of dementia care.

This kind of community highlights the need for a more holistic approach to supporting this cause.

By acknowledging the value of caregiver support, they can foster a sense of community that extends beyond individual families.

CaringKind’s Advocacy for Healthy Aging

CaringKind’s advocacy efforts are centered on prioritizing public awareness, fostering research collaborations, and driving policy changes to create a more empathetic and supportive environment for individuals and families affected.

Through collaborative partnerships with local organizations, CaringKind is dedicated to creating a holistic approach that offers essential assistance and tools for those touched by cognitive impairments.

A focus on fostering interconnected relationships and providing all-encompassing support underscores the importance of taking an inclusive, multi-faceted approach in tackling the intricate challenges faced by patients.

A Call for Collaboration and Community

As CaringKind continues to advocate for those impacted by the disease, their commitment to public awareness and research remains unwavering.

Their efforts inspire hope and resilience in the face of this challenging journey. The official website for CaringKind is located at caringkindnyc.org; it offers a wealth of information on the organization.

If you’re interested in attending the support group offered by The Atrium at Oak Crest or would like to let them know that you’ll be coming, Susan Cincinelli can be reached at 847-742-2255.