Central New York Chapter News & Action Center

The end of Alzheimer's begins with you.

Category Archives: Where We’ve Been

THE FUTURE: Scientists present their work at Alzheimer’s Research Conference

Alzheimer research was in the spotlight Wednesday at the Chapter’s inaugural Alzheimer’s Research Conference. Nearly 100 people spent their Wednesday morning at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Syracuse and heard from four voices in Alzheimer’s research, representing work being done to treat, prevent and cure the disease.

In his keynote speech, Dr. Dean Hartley of the Alzheimer’s Association explored the current state of Alzheimer’s disease research. He gave an in-depth explanation of recent studies that looked at the effects of sleep and late-life binge drinking has on one’s risk of developing the disease.

Hartley, who is the national organization’s director of scientific initiatives, correlated the rapid growth of Alzheimer’s disease and disparate amount of money committed to its research by the federal government in comparison to other causes of death, such as cancer and HIV/AIDS, which have seen decreases in mortality due to higher government research budgets. He likened the decreasing funding and increased incidence of Alzheimer’s to “The Perfect Storm” and encouraged people in attendance to take action as advocates and participants in clinical trials.

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT… Continue reading →

RAISE YOUR GLASS: Lakeland Winery makes donation to Chapter

A summerlong partnership between the Chapter and Syracuse’s Lakeland Winery culminated with a check presentation on November 6. Andy Watkins, owner of the winery, presented Paul Stepien, president of the Chapter Board of Directors, and Cathy James, Chapter CEO, with a check for $600.

The donation was the result of a cause marketing relationship between the winery and chapter, as 20 percent of the sales from their two most popular wines — Wild Blueberry and Pleasantly Pomegranate — was donated to the Chapter. The winery touted the partnership at their location in the town of Geddes, their booth at the Central New York Regional Market and at festivals throughout Upstate New York.

The presentation was made at a reception for Dr. Dean Hartley, keynote speaker at the Chapter’s Alzheimer’s Research Conference held the next day.

 

Dan McCourt Wins Unforgettable Title

Dan McCourt

Sunday evening’s Unforgettable Comedy Challenge final had them rolling in the aisles. The sellout crowd saw 14 contestants vying for the Challenge title and a host of prizes. When the dust settled last evening, Syracuse comedian Dan McCourt stood atop the pack and was named winner of the Unforgettable Comedy Challenge.

The judges and audience ranked McCourt as their top performer of the evening. For his efforts, he receives a week-long gig at Wise Guys Comedy Club, a guest host appearance on MOViN 100.3/96.5′s MOViN Mornings and an automatic entry in September’s Boston Comedy Festival.

The Unforgettable Comedy Challenge is a joint presentation of the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, Wise Guys Comedy Club and MOViN 100.3/96.5. Print Solutions Plus of Liverpool sponsored the final round. A portion of the ticket sales from the preliminary and final shows benefited the Chapter.

 

“Change for a Change” Brings Hope for a Cure

Nickels and dimes. Quarters and pennies. Alone, they are coins in our pocket or purse. When it adds up, spare change can bring real change.

The students at Sherman Road Elementary School in Watertown came up with “Change for a Change.” This fundraising project motivated the school’s students to collect coins in a contest between classrooms. The end result more than $1,000 donated to the Chapter on behalf of the school. Here’s coverage of the event from WWNY-TV:

The project was led by the Widrick family. The Widricks walk each fall with the team name “Walking for Nana,” in honor of Stephanie Widrick’s mother, who has Alzheimer’s. Widrick and her husband live in Watertown and send their children to the school.

Bankers Life and Casualty Company “Forget Me Not Days” Raises Funds and Awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association

Since 2003, Bankers Life and Casualty’s Forget Me Not Days have been a national event to support the Alzheimer’s Association. In exchange for a donation, Bankers Life and Casualty agents distribute forget me not seed packets at local community centers and retail stores. More than $2 million has been raised by the annual event.

Representatives from the Syracuse’s office of Bankers Conseco Life Insurance Company — a sister company of Bankers Life and Casualty Company — presented the proceeds from the sale to the Chapter. Two days of sales on May 18 and 19 in Syracuse generated more than $1,700 in donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Pictured, from left to right are Bankers Conseco Life Insurance Company representatives Will Colon, Rebecca Pollack, and Ashley Blankenship; Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter CEO Cathy James; and Doug Bellamy and Rachel Gonnella from Bankers.

Rally To End Alzheimer’s

Wednesday’s Rally To End Alzheimer’s in Albany brought together nearly 150 advocates from across the Empire State. The message was clear: more must be done to combat the Alzheimer’s epidemic.

New York State is home to 320,000 individuals that have Alzheimer’s disease and their nearly 1 million unpaid caregivers. The financial toll of the disease is evident in the $13.7 billion in unpaid care provided by family and friends. Advocates called for measures including greater funding for community-based services and legislation to protect individuals with the disease at home and in facilities.

Cathy James, CEO of the Central New York Chapter and co-chair of the Coalition of New York State Alzheimer’s Association Chapters, opened the rally. In her remarks, she called upon one of Margaret Mead’s most famous quotes to illustrate the lengths the Alzheimer’s movement have taken in New York. Continue reading →

Where we’ve been: Binghamton

Last week’s Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce lunch was a sellout and we had a little something to do with it.

The Chapter was the presenting sponsor for the Chamber’s May SBC Network Luncheon at Nirchi’s On The Avenue. Chapter CEO Cathy James spoke to the more than 200 people in attendance and the Chapter had the opportunity to promote the Walk To End Alzheimer’s presented by United Methodist Homes, September 23 at Otsiningo Park.

Pictured above are members of the Chapter development department that were on hand to assist with the luncheon. From left are Georgia Hanchar Vieira, Julie Darling and Grant Fletcher. All three are associate development directors for the Chapter.