Dunk Alzheimer’s: Students raise money, awareness for Alzheimer’s cause
Jonathan Segal knows first-hand how hard it is to see someone you love battle Alzheimer’s. The North Shore Country Day School junior’s grandmother, Lisa Cohen, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at 60. At present, Cohen is 72 and in the advanced stages of the disease.
“She lived in the house with us for six months and my family cared for her. It was extremely difficult,” Segal said.
Jonathan Segal knows first-hand how hard it is to see someone you love battle Alzheimer’s. The North Shore Country Day School junior’s grandmother, Lisa Cohen, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at 60. At present, Cohen is 72 and in the advanced stages of the disease.
“She lived in the house with us for six months and my family cared for her. It was extremely difficult,” Segal said.
Looking to bring greater awareness and funds to the cause, Segal recently hosted the second Dunk Alzheimer’s basketball event at his Winnetka school. The January 25 tournament included school teams from throughout the area, and students had the opportunity to purchase and don purple Dunk Alzheimer’s shirts. Proceeds from the $20 shirts as well as individual contributions led a fundraising total of $6,300, tripling last year’s total.
“When I started doing this, I learned that half my friends have a connection to the disease,” Segal said. “People would say, ‘My uncle has it or my grandfather or my friend’s dad.’”
Student body president and senior Josie Santi, who lent a hand with the event, agreed about the importance of the cause.
“I feel like a lot of people aren’t educated about Alzheimer’s disease,” she said.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php