According to recent estimates, as many as 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. It is the seventh leading cause of death for Americans. We know that Alzheimer’s disease affects seniors but what is most shocking is that it also affects people under the age of 65. This is very alarming. There are over 250,000 Americans with Alzheimer’s disease under age 65.
Not everyone is blessed with the ability to have children and adoption is a wonderful option that brings people yearning to be parents together with babies in need of a loving home. The process however can be daunting. Meet Lana Noone and Cynthia DiMicelli. Lana, and her late husband Byron, served as pioneers of international adoption on Long Island in the late 1970’s. Cynthia, now an adoption consultant, and her husband Dominic adopted domestically after having one son biologically and being unable to conceive again. Explore with them the options and resources available to help make sense of these important decisions.
Michael Amoruso is a successful lawyer, practicing elder law, special needs, and estate planning and is someone who truly defines the word inspiration. He suffers from Usher Syndrome Type 2, lives with two hearing aids and a degenerative vision problem in which he will eventually lose all of his sight completely. Choosing to view himself as “differently-abled,” Michael has soared above the expectations and predictions of many doctors and teachers. With the love and support of his family and Canine Companions, Michael continues to win.
Eric and Hedy Page were children when Hitler began to gain power in Europe. Hedy’s family was among the small number of fortunate and brave Jews that were able to flee Europe. Eric and his family were not able to flee and his family met personal tragedy. How did they meet? What is their family like today? What was it like for their children to learn about the Holocaust in school while having survivors as parents? What are some suggested resources for your family?
Norman and Ruth Mooney, both incredibly talented artists, have been touched by a child with special needs. Their son Rian, the oldest of three children, was born with cerebral palsy. The Mooney’s are extremely dedicated and determined individuals who tirelessly support and champion Rian’s life. Learn about how this family copes, how they found the resources they need and more.
Mark Haubner, who was severely-challenged by osteoarthritis at the age of forty-four, shares his story, his family and his advice for living with arthritis. Mr. Pat McAsey and Ms. Pat Brasley from the Arthritis Foundation, Long Island Chapter share insights, resources and news on the latest in treatment.
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How many single mothers are out there like Monique English whose heart is bursting with joy because her twenty-one-year-old daughter, Kiara, is graduating? Kiara is graduating from the Children’s Learning Center at United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County (UCPN), Roosevelt, Long Island, where she has been a student since the age of three. Monique tells their story and Mr. Kurt Murgo of UCPN offers viewers advice and information about resources.
Gloria’s story about her husband, David, is heart-warming and heart-breaking, emotions not unknown to those who suffer silently through the effects of Alzheimer’s on a loved one. What are her emotions, experiences, support system? Ms. MaryAnn Malach-Ragona, Executive Director and CEO, Alzhiemer’s Association, Long Island shares information,resources and the latest news in research for treatment with viewers.
“The time is always right for family. All of us can relate, in one way or another, to the real families in our series. You realize that if you change a name or a face, it could be YOU. Family Comes First® affirms that family and community are the answers. We need each other as we journey together through life.”
-Vincent J. Russo