The Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation (LIAF), the leading nonprofit offering critically needed social adult day programs for individuals facing Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, recently hosted its annual Women’s Fashion Show in Port Washington. Attended by over 160 women, this sold-out show raised over $50,000. The goal of this annual event was to highlight how Alzheimer’s disease impacts Long Island women as patients and as caregivers. Showcasing stylish fashions donated by Fox’s of Mineola, volunteer local models who participated in the runway fashion show were Sharon Langone of Port Washington, Jodi Stuhl of Roslyn, Heidi Felix of Wantagh, Fiona Phillips of St. James, Hillary Needle of Dix Hills, Jennifer Devine of Huntington Station, Allie Eibeler of Glen Cove, Marla Atkin of Old Bethpage and Danielle Shivek of Bellmore. 
During a powerful presentation and introduction of event honoree Laura Giunta of Senior Helpers, Foundation Executive Director Tori Cohen addressed the many challenges women face when caring for a loved one or facing Alzheimer’s disease themselves.
“Today more than 5.4-million people are living with Alzheimer’s and 15-million individuals are acting as caregivers. Two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients are women and 60 percent of caregivers are also women. The number of individuals diagnosed with the disease is on the rise on Long Island and the demand for programs for those impacted is desperately needed. Programs are crucial for patients and also for caregivers who need respite from 24/7 coverage,” said Tori Cohen, executive director of the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Giunta was recognized for her many years of dedication and service to Long Island’s senior population.
The Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation’s respite programs are offered at three locations in Nassau County and there are plans for expansion. These programs are currently offered in Port Washington, Westbury and Rockville Centre. The social adult day programs run five days a week for early, moderate and late stages of Alzheimer’s or related dementia and include support groups for caregivers.
For more than 25 years, LIAF has been providing supportive community-based services to Alzheimer’s families on Long Island. The foundation is one of a few nonprofits on Long Island which offers critically needed social adult day programs for individuals facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their caregivers.
LIAF takes considerable pride in its pioneering role in the development of cutting-edge services that foster the independence, dignity, well-being and safety of individuals with Alzheimer’s.
For information, call 516-767-6856 or visit www.liaf.org.
