Plainview Man Gearing Up for Annual Run to Support Those Living with Alzheimer’s Disease

May 7, 2018, Westbury, N.Y. – Jay Asparro, of Plainview, is gearing up to clock some serious running miles during the 2018 Ann Asparro Run, a campaign he initiated to raise money for the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center, as well as to increase awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. This year marks Jay’s third time hitting the pavement in honor of his grandmother, Ann Asparro, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s nearly a decade ago, and for all Long Island families coping with the disease and related forms of dementia. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center is extremely grateful for the $54,547 Jay has raised in total so far, which goes toward supporting the organization’s mission—to help improve the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related memory disorders, and their caregivers.

This July, in addition to running, Jay will be swimming and biking as he competes in the Ironman challenge in Lake Placid, NY. His hope is to raise $35,000 with this event. To kick it off, Jay and Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center recently hosted a spin class at Lifetime Fitness in Syosset. Nearly 40 people participated in an enthusiastic workout facilitated by Shaun Cardenas, who graciously donated his instruction for the class. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center is grateful to everyone at Lifetime Fitness; for all who participated in the event to support Jay’s cause; and of course, to Jay, who continually shows his commitment to Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center’s mission. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center and Jay are planning several other events this year, including family bingo, tentatively scheduled for the fall. 

Jay understands the impact Alzheimer’s has on caregivers, seeing his parents and other family members caring for his grandmother on a daily basis. Of the yearly Ann Asparro Run, he says, “This is my way to show my appreciation and to reach out to other families, too.” Each year, Jay says his goal is the same—raising awareness for the programs and services Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center provides, along with the monetary support that helps Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center continue assisting families in need.

While he’s already tackled some impressive runs and the intense training necessary (in 2016, Jay ran 90 miles over three days on Long Island, and last year did a total of 75 miles over one weekend, 48.8 of them on Long Island, the other 26.2 in the New York City Marathon), beyond hghthis year’s Ironman, Jay’s already planning his next big challenge. “I’m planning to run in Italy next summer. A total of 163 miles between Bari and Naples, the two towns where my grandparents came from.”

As before, the team at Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center is most appreciative for Jay’s dedication and initiative. Tori Cohen, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center’s Executive Director, says, “We are thrilled that Jay is continuing to support Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center and our mission. We admire his perseverance and how he is an inspiration to all. Cohen added how excited Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center is about Jay’s new run and the possibilities of raising more funds for programs, which, “give tremendous relief for our caregivers.”

To learn how you can get involved, visit liaf.org and follow Jay’s journey at theannasparrorun.com. Your support is greatly appreciated!