BAY SHORE, N.Y. (Feb. 18, 2014) – Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Inc. (ADRC) hosted its first annual “Give from the Heart” Athletes for Alzheimer’s Endurance Event to raise funds to support those who struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease and their unpaid caregivers. The event took place on Sunday, February 16 at Steel Fitness Gym in Bellmore, N.Y.
Individuals and teams participated in a daylong contest to determine who can perform the most sit-ups or pushups in a given period of time. Molloy College was one of the schools participating. The Lions’ combined push-up and sit-up results are below:
Men’s Teams:
1. Cross Country / Track & Field – 591
2. Basketball – 446
3. Baseball – 443
4. Soccer – 425
Women’s Teams:
1. Cross Country / Track & Field – 596
2. Soccer – 455
3. Lacrosse – 433
4. Basketball – 345
5. Softball – 332
6. Cheerleading – 262
6. Volleyball – 155
Volunteer coaches and Steel Fitness trainers watched all participants to make sure they were done correctly and that the count is accurate. Awards were presented to those who completed the most sit-ups or push-ups and for those who raised the most funds. All of the money raised went to benefit ADRC.
In the U.S., approximately 5.4 million people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and that number is only expected to increase. There are 77 million baby boomers in this country and 1 in 8 is at risk for getting this heartbreaking disease. As the number of people with the disease grows, there will be an increasing need for caregivers as well-who will need more support from local organizations and community groups. “Give from the Heart” is aimed to assist both caregivers and those who are affected by Alzheimer’s Disease alike.
“Give from the Heart” was held in memory of Dorothy C. Camilleri, the late owner of Dear Little Dollies on Bedford Avenue in Bellmore. She passed away last year at the age of 87 after battling Alzheimer’s Disease. Ms. Camilleri’s daughter, Marijane, who was also her caregiver, decided to lead the event in her mother’s memory.
“We cannot thank Marijane, the ADRC staff, and the volunteers enough for organizing this innovative, athletic fundraising event,” says Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, Executive Director/CEO, Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Inc. “We hope to engage a younger age group with this fundraising event, with the intent to help them realize the importance of eradicating this devastating disease that affects so many people.”
To make a donation and to help this great cause, please click this link.
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Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Inc. – which is headquartered in Bay Shore and has a satellite office in Southampton – is the only local Alzheimer’s Disease advocacy and educational facility whose mission is to provide hands-on support and services to families on Long Island and the New York metropolitan area. ADRC works with family members, health care professionals and researchers to ensure quality health care and support to those impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease through care and consultation, information and referral, training, support groups, and caregiver safety products.
Please click here for ADRC’s official website.