Dad's "Fresh Air Fund" in Memory of Uncle Frank (Dad's twin)

When we created this fundraiser, Father's Day was just around the bend so couldn't help but think about the role Dads play in all our lives. My father is the reason for this fund. He was generous, selflelss and kind. He was also an outdoorsman, so when he died in December, 2013 we created "My Dad's Fresh Air fund" to raise $$ for charities in his memory through running outdoor races (like this year's Spartan races).

Since 2014, we have raised more than $35k by running in memory of family we love and/or have lost to support meaningful charities to them that can provide care for others suffering or in need. This year we run in memory of my Uncle Frank, my godfather, my Dad's twin brother and my cousin Kevin's Dad; two more of the most charming and funny guys any of us have ever known.

Uncle Frank was a joy to all who knew him. His smile and charimsa brought such a wonderful energy to every family gathering. His delightful singing voice brought a grin to everyone's face. When he sang with my Dad, the harmonies were like perfect synchronicity; and when Uncle Bill would join in, occasionally, we might get a 3 part harmony!

His relationship with his wife, my Aunt Carol, was just lovely. He was a gentlemen, a kind and amazing Dad, and the kind of guy who, if his joke didn't make you laugh, his own laugh that followed the joke would get you. Uncle Frank was a real treasure!

All that made Uncle Frank wonderful made it even harder to understand... how Alzheimer's and Dementia, over time, can progressively take away so much of a person's identity, personality, presence and character.

Here is the part where you come in...

As a tribute to the may years Uncle Frank, Aunt Carol and family lived in Long Island, we are raising money to benefit Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center. They are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia and their caregivers, and provide world-class services and programs to make an impact — One person, one family, one community at a time. Any donation you can afford will help us reach our goal AND make an impact.

Running with our team of Mud, Sweat & Beers for the "Spartan Trifecta" again this year, only a little out of order. The Super was in April, but the hardest race is still to come!

~ the Spartan Sprint! - Sat., 6/8; Bethel, NY - (3+ miles of obstacle racing, 20+ obstacles).

~ the Spartan Super!! - Sun., 4/28; Vernon, NJ - (6+ miles / 25+ obstacles).

~ the Spartan BEAST!!! - Sat., 9/14; Killington, VT - (13+ miles / 30+ obstacles).

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me, in supporting our efforts to raise funds while remembering my Uncle Frank, my Dad and as we remember the role of Dads around Fathers Day, my father in law... another Amazing Frank.

More information about Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center, Inc.:

They offer a full range of caregiver services along with safe, structured and engaging programs for diagnosed individuals. Their stage-specific programs are designed around an individual’s abilities, not disabilities, on what they can still do, happily and productively, which allows LIAD Center to bring out the best in every participant. In addition to their day programs Monday – Saturday, they offer innovative solutions for caregivers and families. For over 30 years, the Center has believed that until there is a cure, they are the best solution to find hope and support.

Thanks for being part of our team by supporting our efforts to hit this year's $2,024 GOAL for Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center, in memory of Uncle Frank; and always for (his older twin) Dad through our annual "Dad's Fresh Air Fund!"

Best to you and everyone you love!

-Pat & team

(Daniel, Jim, Christopher, Stephen, Pam, Ron and others TBD!)

PS - Want to do more to help? You too can be a fundraiser! Shoot me a note and I can set you up with your name in the dropdown for fundraising, so you can send friends and family to this site to raise $$ for LIAD Center in memory of Frank Grace!