Hilarity for Charity (HFC)

Meet Darlene: Darlene is the sole caregiver for her mom, navigating the financial, emotional, and physical challenges that come with Alzheimer’s. Caring for a loved one often means putting your own health last, but thanks to HFC’s care grant, Darlene has the space to focus on her well-being while continuing to provide thoughtful care for her mom. There are 11.2 million family caregivers in the U.S. walking this journey. Your support helps make their load a little lighter. Give the gift of care today: https://bit.ly/3VcmoZr ??

As #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth concludes, we reflect on how your support enables HFC to provide real relief and resources to family caregivers. Together, we’re empowering caregivers to take a moment for themselves, reconnect with loved ones, and receive the support they need to keep going. With every gift, we are able to reach more caregivers who need a lifeline. Thank you for supporting HFC and making this important work possible. - Lauren and Seth

The Caregivers by Nell Lake is a must-read. With real stories from support groups, this book dives deep into the courage, love, and sometimes brutal honesty behind caregiving. Prepare to laugh, cry, and feel a little less alone on the journey. ???? #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth Grab a copy and join us in honoring the real superheroes: caregivers. https://bit.ly/3Z1i9SR

Got a knack for storytelling? HFC’s Humans of Dementia Storytelling Scholarship is calling your name! ?? If you’re a high school or college student who’s been impacted by Alzheimer’s, this is your chance to shine a light on the stories that matter. Write or snap a profile of someone living with or who’s passed away from dementia, and you could snag a scholarship. ???? No boring essays, just real stories that make a difference. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fy1U5b

?? Do you know someone who's a caregiver? ?? It's likely. More than 40% of adults in the U.S. serve as unpaid caregivers to a loved one. These caregivers serve as the (often invisible) backbones of the healthcare system. That's why The Joint Commission has partnered with ARCHANGELS to bring the Care Badge initiative to life—part of a growing movement aiming to support, honor and uplift unpaid caregivers. ?? We're joined by leading health systems, healthcare associations and advocacy organizations, and payers in our efforts to help as many as possible earn their #CareBadge to add value to their skills as caregivers. Earn your Care Badge today, or tag someone below who should. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gvpUF-ZV. Many thanks to Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP), American Heart Association, Aging NY, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Blue Star Families, Care.com, CaringBridge, Hilarity for Charity (HFC), Commonwealth of Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition, New York State Office for the Aging, and Northwell Health for their support of the unpaid caregivers through the Care Badge. ????

Join us for a special series of free, virtual community lounges where you can connect, find support, and explore topics from HFC's Caregiver Road Trip—a one-of-a-kind, interactive guide curated for dementia caregivers! ???? Sign up at wearehfc.org/events/.

Learn a little about team HFC: Meet Bonnie Wattles, HFC's Executive Director, who believes in the importance of youth leadership in the dementia space. ????

?? Exciting News! ?? HFC is thrilled to welcome two amazing new team members: Ashley Petsch and Alyson Demman! Ashley joins us as the Senior Director of Development, bringing over a decade of experience in non-profit fundraising. From rocking the performing arts scene to championing reproductive rights, and most recently supporting ALS families, Ashley’s journey is truly inspiring. When she’s not raising funds, she’s spoiling her cats, enjoying live music, or training for marathons! Alyson is our new Senior Manager of Respite Care, with a passion for supporting aging adults and in-home care. With a strong background in finance and a heart for non-profits like Meals on Wheels, Alyson is dedicated to helping those in need. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband and four kids, attending sports events, and binge-watching TV shows. Join us in giving Ashley and Alyson a warm welcome to the HFC team! ??

Breaking News. ?? The FDA has approved Eli Lilly's donanemab, AKA Kisunla. Donanemab teaches the immune system to recognize and remove amyloid—a protein that can clump together in the brain, causing Alzheimer's. Today's approval is another encouraging step toward a future when we can effectively treat—and maybe even prevent—Alzheimer’s disease. ??

Meet our new?HFCUniverse?Faculty:?Kristen Bell,?Chloe Kim, Quinta Brunson, and?Maitreyi Ramakrishnan! These stars join long-time Professor?Seth Rogen, teaching courses on HFC’s five brain health habits: sleep, nutrition, cognitive fitness, emotional well-being, and physical fitness. Class is in session at maintainmybrain.com! ???