According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, more than five million Americans are suffering with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Troubled by these statistics and personally affected, Long Islander and NBA draftee Gordon Thomas founded the Alzheimer’s All-Star Basketball Classic Committee, a group of professionals dedicated to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Thomas is now prepping for one of the charity’s latest events, Slam Dunk & 3-Pt Shootout Contest to benefit The Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation. The Slam Dunk & 3-Pt Shootout event features an unbelievable match-up between elite high school basketball players from across Long Island who are hand-picked by local coaches for this special day.
Nick Carbone was selected for the three point shooting contest because he was second in Nassau County and fifth in Long Island with 59 three pointers made during the 2012-13 Basketball season. The top 20 three point shooters from Long Island will be competing. Each athlete will be wearing their high school uniforms to represent their school.
“I lost my father in 2010 to Alzheimer’s disease,” says Thomas. “I watched someone who I admire and loved so much suffer tremendously from it, and I knew I needed to step up and do something to help other families who are experiencing the same nightmare.”
The contest will be held on Saturday May 18, from 1-6 p.m. at the Town of North Hempstead’s “Yes We Can” Community Center, 141 Garden Street, Westbury. A full day of family fun can be had for only $10. There will be prizes, giveaways, a 50/50 raffle and more.
