TackleALZ NYC Raises Funds for CaringKind

Photo credit: Warren Rosenberg Photography/ New York Sports Photo Group (NYSPG)

Girls of the gridiron – nearly 75 athletes in their 20s and 30s – battled it out on the football field on May 12 in the eighth annual Powder Puff Charity Football Game, a flag football competition, to raise money for CaringKind, NYC’s leading expert in Alzheimer’s and dementia care for more than three decades. CaringKind was formerly known as the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter. The charity event, called TackleALZ NYC, raised $206,000 to support the free programs and services that benefit New York City families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. The game took place at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium (Columbia University).

The two teams were divided to reflect the age-old rivalry between fair and raven-haired women. Redheads and women with “alternative hair color” played for the team of their choice. Coaches, announcers, and fans were on hand to help build an atmosphere of fierce, but friendly competition. A complement of retired NFL players were on site to serve as honorary coaches including Bobby Sewall and Dan Upperco.

“It takes the caring kind to be an Alzheimer’s and dementia advocate,” said Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of CaringKind. “It also takes the tough kind, the dedicated kind, and the agile kind. The women on this field today – many having their own personal Alzheimer’s experiences – epitomize the kind of fight we all must have in this battle against this insidious disease. I’d like to thank the players, coaches, honorary coaches, and supporters for – once again – leaving it all out on the field. Blonde or brunette, when it comes to tackling Alzheimer’s, we’re all on the same team.”

Among CaringKind’s many programs and services are:

• The 24-hour Helpline (646-744-2900) – giving New Yorkers access to expert and caring advice 365 days a year;
• Hundreds of free support groups, workshops and educational seminars for caregivers and people with the disease;
• Social work services;
• Dementia care training programs for homecare workers and other healthcare professionals;
• MedicAlert® NYC Wanderer’s Safety Program – providing resources to protect New Yorkers with dementia who wander;
• Outreach efforts to the African-American, Latino, Chinese, Orthodox Jewish, and LGBT communities.

CaringKind is New York City’s leading expert on Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving. With over 30 years of experience, we work directly with our community partners to develop the information, tools and training to support individuals and families affected by dementia. We offer a 24-hour Helpline run by professional staff, individual and family counseling sessions with licensed social workers; a vast network of support groups; education seminars and training programs; early stage services and a wanderer’s safety program. We believe in the power of caregiving and seek a world where everyone dealing with dementia has the support they need, when they need it.