FARMINGDALE, N.Y. | Jay Asparro will continue his journey to raise awareness in memory of his late grandmother through ultra-endurance endeavors Oct. 1-2, when he will take to the one-quarter mile track at Farmingdale State College to complete the 2022 edition of the Ann Asparro Run.
Jay Asparro, a former Division I student-athlete and staunch community supporter, is scheduled to complete a 100-mile run over a 24-hour span, with all funds raised by both his team and the Farmingdale State College community, going to support The Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center in Westbury.
The event is named in honor of Asparro's late grandmother, Ann, who passed away after battling Alzheimer's disease. Since 2016, Jay has utilized the ultra-endurance running platform to raise awareness, donations and support families living with Alzheimer's and dementia. The cause has secured needed funds for The Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center which provides day programs and services for those suffering from the diseases in order to provide respite for the individuals' caregivers. Since undertaking this initiative, Asparro has raised more than $154,000 for executive director Tori Cohen's organization.
"Running 100 miles over 400 laps in 24 hours will be a struggle, but it does not compare to the struggle that caregivers have to endure every day taking care of their loved ones," said Asparro, who most recently completed a two-day, 100-mile run from Montauk to Westbury in 2021 and competed locally as a men's soccer student-athlete at both Nassau Community College and Hofstra University. "I will run these 100 miles to honor my grandmother, and all caregivers."
"For the last six years, Jay has been a role model to the Alzheimer's community," explained Cohen. "He has shown us all how strength and determination can get you through the hardest challenges. These are the attributes that caregivers need when they are facing this disease and its symptoms on a daily basis. Jay's selfless attitude has made an impact on so many people who want to stand by him and his mission."
Members of the Farmingdale State College community, including the 18 intercollegiate varsity athletics teams, Sport Management Club and Greek organizations, will each seek to sponsor various time periods of Asparro's jaunt, while also raising funds through their respective networks, to support the initiative.
"Farmingdale State College and the athletic department are honored to play host to this event; what Jay and his team are doing is simply amazing," said Tom Azzara, Farmingdale State's director of athletics. "Our athletic teams – along with other clubs, organizations and Greek life – will each be sponsoring an hour of Jay's run, raising funds and awareness for such an important cause in the process. Our student-athletes are excited to partner with Jay and will continue community engagement in many different avenues throughout the academic year."
About The Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center
The mission of Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center is to help improve the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders, and their caregivers. The Long Island Alzheimer's & Dementia Center is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization founded in 1988 by five Long Island women. Each of these women had a connection with dementia and wanted to create a place where people can turn to for much needed help and services. The organization initially started as a resource center, providing a comprehensive resource directory of local care facilities and professionals, and a social-model adult day service program. Since then, its services have expanded and the center serves all forms of dementia and are helping at every stage of the disease. In October 2019, The Long Island Alzheimer's & Dementia (LIAD) Center name was established, to reflect the wide range of programs and services that the center offers to families affected by Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia.
Today, the LIAD Center provides – as it has for 30 years – diagnosed individuals and caregivers guidance, support, a community and hope through hands-on programs. The Long Island Alzheimer's & Dementia Center is unique in that it is a local, 'one-stop-shop' that is able to provide the critically needed programs and services families are seeking during their journey. Until there is a cure, the LIAD Center is the best solution to find respite, help and stimulating activities.