Genser Dubow Genser & Cona Raises Nearly $ 5,000 for American Heart Association LI

   GDGC RAISES NEARLY $5,000 FOR AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION   

     BY PARTICIPATING IN ANNUAL HEART WALK AT JONES BEACH

    Elder Law Firm Walks in Honor of Stroke Survivor and in Memory of Heart Attack Victim

In keeping with the philosophy of Jennifer Cona, Esq., managing partner, Genser Dubow Genser & Cona (GDGC), Melville, to support important health care organizations and those in need, she recently organized a group of over 30 staff, friends and family to join in the American Heart Association Annual Long Island Heart Walk at Jones Beach on Sunday, September 22nd.

Through their efforts and outreach, the GDGC team went above their goal of $ 3,000 to raise nearly $ 5,000 for this important cause.  “Heart disease and stroke affects all of us at GDGC, both professionally, as it impacts our clients, and on a personal level with our own family members and friends.  We were excited and motivated to participate in this event that brought 4,000 participants and more than $ 350,000 to the American Heart Association,” says Jennifer Cona, Esq.

To help broaden the message that the American Heart Association’s mission also encompasses stroke, GDGC walked in honor of Jean Schur, a client and great grandmother of 5 who resides in Coram.  Jean suffered a stroke last year at age 82.   Now wheelchair bound as a result, Jean is a former celebrity dancer known for her signature “fan” dance.  As one of the first African-American women to perform for white audiences, she worked at top theatres in the U.S. and Canada.  Jean was recently inducted into the Burlesque Hall of Fame. 

At the event, her son Lamont Holliday pushed his mom in her wheelchair to complete the

three mile walk.  Considering it a great gift to be honored, Jean doesn’t let anything get her down and keeps her spirit strong with a positive attitude. 

GDGC worked with Jean to get her legal, financial and health care affairs in order and to ensure that Jean’s health care needs could be met.

GDGC also walked in memory of GDGC attorney Jackie Orcutt’s father, B. Sinclair Orcutt, Jr., who died of a massive heart attack at age 59.  Says Jackie, “We need to get the word out that heart disease and stroke can and likely will impact each and every one of us in our lifetimes, and that the only hope for a cure lies in research, knowledge and lifestyle changes.”

In addition to raising money and participating in the walk, a GDGC staff member, Moriah Farrell of Lynbrook (31), received the “Healthy Lifestyle Change” award at the event.  This award is given to three people who have made significant positive changes toward a healthier lifestyle.   Overweight as a child, Moriah continued to put on weight as an adult.  Then she had an “ah ha” moment.  After she took a Pilates class, Moriah was motivated and hooked to make a dramatic change in her life. 

Exercising at the gym 5 – 6 days a week and eating healthier, Moriah has lost 40 pounds so far.  She is determined to reach her goal and never go back. “Moriah’s success and dedication to improving her health has inspired other staff members as well,” says Ms. Cona.

This event is only the beginning of GDGC’s work and support for the American Heart Association LI chapter.

Genser Dubow Genser & Cona is recognized as a leading elder law and estate planning firm on Long Island.  The firm provides creative advocacy and cutting edge planning strategies and has been featured in many publications including: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsday, L.I. Business News, Kiplinger’s, Reader's Digest and many others.   GDGC attorneys are frequent contributors to Newsday’s Act II “Ask the Expert” column and have appeared as guests on WNBC-TV, CNN-fn, News 12, News 55, Channel 21 "Act II With Newsday" and many radio stations including WOR, WCBS AM and WFAN.

PHOTO CAPTION:

 Front Row – Left to Right:  Jack Genser, Sam Genser, Jean Schur

Second Row - Pam Wolf, Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Simone Richards, Moriah Farrell, Jennifer B. Cona

Third Row – Laurie Bower, Laurie Collazo, Janet Russell, Amber Brooks, Alison Dragunat, Damien Barthelson

Fourth Row -  Jeff Anand, Tanya Prioleau