Bryan Proctor Raises Awareness for Alzheimer's Disease at the 9th Annual Distant Memories Swim

John Mitty Tuesday, July 17, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Zaher/Hank Russell, PRMG New York
(631) 207-1057

July 17, 2012

Northport Resident and Harborfields H.S. Physical Education Teacher Bryan Proctor Raises Awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease at the 9th Annual Distant Memories Swim

Money Raised Will Benefit Alzheimer’s Association Long Island

Bay Shore, NY (July 17, 2012) — Alzheimer’s Association Long Island has announced that Bryan Proctor, a Northport resident and a physical education teacher at Harborfields High School, will lead a team of swimmers in the 9^th Annual Distant Memories Swim on Monday, July 30, in order to draw attention to this devastating disease that impacts over 60,000 families here on Long Island. Opening ceremonies are expected to begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Proctor and his teammates will take to the water on 10:00 a.m.

Mr. Proctor and his teammates will start out at Asharoken Beach and swim across the bay to Knollwood Beach — a distance of approximately 3.5 nautical miles (more than 4 miles). The swim will also help raise funds for Alzheimer’s Association Long Island through sponsorships and corporate donors. The goal is to raise $20,000 to help support services and programs for Long Island families coping with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Last year, $16,000 was raised, surpassing the goal of $15,000.

Currently, 5.4 million people in this country have Alzheimer’s disease and more than 200,000 individuals under the age of 65 have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. By the middle of this century, it is estimated that approximately 14-16 million people will have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease; 1 out of 8 baby boomers is at risk. This issue is very close to Mr. Proctor, as his grandfather and aunt passed away from Alzheimer’s disease.

“Bryan is a champion for those with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. He is a role model for the youth of our country,” states Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer for Alzheimer’s Association Long Island. “He has continuously expressed the sentiment that he wants to raise awareness about this deadly disease and help families who live on Long Island.”

“It is my hope that substantial funds will be raised to assist Alzheimer’s Association Long Island in providing for people with dementia and other related disorders,” Mr. Proctor said.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to supporting families and caregivers by providing vital programs and services in local communities nationwide. The Association is the largest private funder of Alzheimer’s research, having committed more than $200 million to research. A minimum of 75% of every dollar raised by the Alzheimer’s Association funds programs to promote research, find effective treatments, and improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s.

To support a swimmer, make a donation or for more information about this event, visit http://www.memoryswim.org. For more information about Alzheimer’s Association Long Island, please contact Mary Ann Malack-Ragona at (631) 820-8068. To sponsor Mr. Proctor and/or his teammates, please visit www.memoryswim.org. Donations may also be sent to: Alzheimer’s Association Long Island, 45 Park Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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