Luminary event shines a lit on Alzheimer’s disease
Dayna Brown of Bethel Park lit a lantern for her parents during an Alzheimer’s Association luminary lighting event held Dec. 21 at the Trolley Stop Inn.
Some of the luminary lit in memory of Alzheimer victims.
Dayna Brown lights a luminary in honor of her parents, Geraldine and William Suvak. The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter hosts events during the winter solstice to illuminate the longest night of the year and shed a light and create awareness for the disease and those affected by it.
Dayna Brown shares a laugh with Bobby Elliot and Justin McKee during a luminary lighting event held Dec. 21 at the Trolley Stop Inn in Bethel Park.
Guests at a luminary lighting event raised funds for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter and commemorated victims of the disease.
Luminary glow in the dark at the Trolley Stop Inn during the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter special luminary lighting event to illuminate the longest night of the year, the winter solstice.
Lit luminary during a fund-raising event for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter
Nathaniel Sofranko, who is an develop manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, addressed the crowd at the Trolley Stop Inn. He spoke of the breakthroughs in battling the disease. In June of 2021, the first drug to treat underlying causes of the illness were approved and results of recent trials of another drug look promising and hopeful for FDA approval on Jan. 6. “Really great work is being done in research, which are our initial stepping stones and give us a lot to be hopeful for,” he said.
Dayna Brown addresses the crowd and spoke of her fund-raising efforts for 2023.
On the darkest day of the year, Dayna Brown lit a luminary. The simple act performed during the winter solstice on Wednesday at the Trolley Stop Inn in Bethel Park shed a ray of hope for people impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
For centuries, Brown noted, luminaries have been lit to signify the passing of loved ones or people who have overcome or are facing some enormous battle.
“We are reminded that during the day with the least amount of light, we can outshine whatever type of despair,” Brown said. “We can outshine that with light.”
When her mother, Geraldine Suvak, passed away from the disease in 2018, Brown became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association. She started participating in the organization’s annual luminary lighting ceremony. Because her father, William, died of vascular dementia in September, she is now lighting for two.
“Luminary are how we honor those who have or had the disease,” said Nathaniel Sofranko, who is Development Manger for the Association’s Greater Pennsylvania Chapter. “It’s a great way to honor loved ones and to shine a light for those individuals struggling with the disease.
“The winter solstice is something we drive behind because it’s really allowing the participants to shine a light on the darkness of Alzheimer’s.”
In addition to the event being a great starting point for people to get involved with the organization, it also doubles as a launching pad for future events. Brown’s luminary lighting marked the start of her fundraising endeavors for the Association’s The Longest Day event.
Held on or around the summer solstice, the day with the most light, citizens can join thousands to advocate around the world for the plight of the disease. Through an activity of their choice, participants fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s and honor Americans living with the illness as well as the over 11 million people serving as their caregivers.
“The Longest Day is one of our signature fundraiser events. It’s up to the individual what they want to do. It’s an opportunity for people to use their own passions, hobbies and interests to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s,” explained Sofranko
Brown bikes. She did a 150-mile ride in June and raised over $5,000. In the span of five years, she has generated $10,000 in donations for the Association.
“The goal this year is to equal that total. Raise $10,000,” she told the crowd of 35 assembled for the luminary event.
Brown added its not just the money. It’s also important to share her knowledge. She plans on doing more educational sessions in 2023 to raise awareness of the affects of Alzheimer’s and early prevention measures. She said that currently 6 million Americans are living with the disease or other forms of dementia.
“It’s awful and in the next 25 years that number will double,” Brown said. “So if you don’t know someone or personally experienced the effects of Alzheimer’s, then in the upcoming years, you absolutely will.”
Brown added the Association has been tremendously supportive during her journey, particularly during this difficult holiday season, the first without both of her parents.
“Holidays can truly be hard and that was one of the reasons why I wanted to do this event because it’s been a struggle. My parents suffered significant cognitive decline and it was difficult to watch. It had a profound effect on them and also me. That is why it is important to me to share what I know so that if you have a similar experience you are better prepared to cope.
“That is also why I am so thankful for this event, the organization, my friends and all the people who have supported my efforts. I’m hopeful for the future and excited to make this an annual event because I think it’s so important.”