Co-chairs named for Westchester Alzheimer's Walk

The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter has named Nancy Keane of Ossining and Barry Meiselman of Scarsdale co-chairs of the planning committee for the Westchester Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4, at SUNY Purchase.

Keane first became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association several years ago when her mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. “I was so grateful at the time to have the information and support. I knew I would give back in the future,” she said.

Keane is a freelance grant writer and co-president of Grant Professionals of the Lower Hudson, a nonprofit organization that provides educational enrichment, advocacy, networking and assistance for grant seekers and grant writing professionals. She previously worked as a development professional with a focus on foundation grants, serving as director of mission advancement at Wartburg and grants officer at Phelps Hospital.

She started volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Association as an advocate, traveling to Albany and Washington, D.C., to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and encourage legislators to support funding for programs and research. She has been part of the Walk planning committee for three years.

“Through my experience as a volunteer, it’s inspiring to be around others who are going through what I’ve been through,” she said. “I know first-hand how valuable the programs and services the Alzheimer’s Association provides are -- not just for those affected by the disease, but for caregivers as well. The walk is vital to raise funds for research for a cure and to provide much needed resources and support, and I’m honored to be part of leading this effort.”

Meiselman also first became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association when his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Since my mother got the diagnosis, I needed a good education on what to do and how to approach the disease,” he said, noting that he appreciated the support and resources he received from the association. “Because of this, I do everything that I possibly can to help find a cure.”

A longtime Alzheimer’s Association volunteer with a professional background in information technology and real estate investment, Meiselman is an advocate and active board member for the association. He also recently served a three-year term as board chair and was chair of the Walk planning committee last year.

He has participated in the Westchester Walk to End Alzheimer’s with his family for several years. His team is called “Luba’s Legacy” in honor of his mother. He said he is pleased to serve as walk chair and hopes to garner as much support for the walk as possible.

“The walk increases awareness, which will help us raise the funds to find a cure. We are accomplishing such a positive thing,” he said.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Visit alz.org