It’s clear that even though our name has changed, the news media continues to rely on CaringKind, with our three decades of experience, as an important source of information about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and caregiving.
CaringKind was featured in an extraordinary New York Times 12-page special supplement on Sunday, May 1. Called “Fraying at the Edges,” the in-depth story by reporter N. R. Kleinfield followed CaringKind Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Early Stage Center client Geri Taylor and her husband Jim for 20 months, providing an unprecedented look into the day-to-day life of someone in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. The CaringKind staff worked hard to supply the reporter with everything he needed to produce a deeply emotional article that featured interviews with Lou-Ellen Barkan, as well as Lauren Volkmer and Maria Mursch, the Director and Manager of the Early Stage Center, respectively. The article, which was also featured on The New York Times’ social media platforms, called attention to the critical work we do at CaringKind, and how dementia impacts the entire family. CaringKind is very grateful to the Taylors for telling their story with such bravery, grace, and dignity.
CaringKind’s stunning subway ad campaign was unveiled earlier this year and grabbed the attention of several media outlets, including NBC New York and The Jewish Voice newspaper. Through a series of five real-life scenarios, the ad campaign, called “That Moment When…,” shines a light on situations and behaviors that many caregivers now recognize as the moments when they first realized something might be wrong with a family member or friend. The ads advise New Yorkers that, “It’s never too early (or too late) to talk about Alzheimer’s support. Call our 24-hour Helpline. We’re here anytime you need to talk.”
We continued to spread the word about our free programs and services with a series of articles placed in local papers including the New York Daily News, Queens Chronicle, Queens Tribune, Bay Ridge Courier, Brooklyn Graphic, Mill Marine Courier and Bay News. Also, congratulations to Cheshire Schanker, Queens Outreach Social Worker, for starring in an important public service announcement about our services that aired on Queens Public Television.
CaringKind’s annual TackleALZ NYC game was a great success! The game was featured on NY1, with Roger Clark interviewing our own Candace Douglas, Director of Constituent Events, as well as players from the BruCrew and Blondetourage teams.
Lou-Ellen continues to make news. She was honored with the Above & Beyond award by City & State, an important news source devoted to covering government, politics, and nonprofits in New York State. She was recognized as one of the 25 most remarkable women serving in nonprofit organizations. Leading up to the award ceremony, City & State published a Q&A with
Lou-Ellen, who gave advice to caregivers saying, “You can’t take care of someone else unless you take care of yourself.”
Jed Levine was front and center in media stories surrounding the controversial comedic movie about Ronald Reagan and Alzheimer’s disease. Jed was interviewed on PIX11 and CBS New York, talking about the right way to discuss the disease in cinema.
Jed was also quoted in a crucial story about caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease by Healthline, a healthcare blog whose mission is to improve health through information. Jed said, “The epidemic of Alzheimer’s disease is on its way to being the greatest healthcare crisis in the nation’s history.”
And here is a piece of great news—Lou-Ellen has been invited by a series of local newspapers, including Manhattan Express, Chelsea Now, Bronx Times, Caribbean Life, East Villager, The Villager, Times Ledger, New York Parenting, Brooklyn Paper and Downtown Express, to write a monthly column called “Care Chronicle,” which explores issues confronted by people living with dementia and those who care for them. The first of this series, which was published in June, introduced readers to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Be on the lookout for her next installment!