Running a marathon is not an easy task. It takes months of training and discipline to run the 26.2 miles. It’s an accomplishment that many people begin to try for and then sadly fail to execute. And then there’s Jay Asparro, who will be running 7 marathons in 7 days. Asparro is tackling this seemingly impossible feat is in order to raise awareness for caregivers of those with dementia. During the week of October 28th, he will be running one marathon per day at different locations all across Long Island. On October 30th, he will complete his third marathon at East Rockaway High School around our very own track. Yep, a whole marathon! (That’s a little more than 105 laps!)
What Asparro does is truly incredible. In honor of his grandmother Ann Asparro, he is running to bring awareness to those who are constantly caring for loved ones with dementia.
“The caregiver taking care of a loved one for one day with Alzheimer’s/Dementia drains them like running a marathon. That’s why I’ll be draining myself everyday for 7 days.”- Jay Asparro
He is encouraging those that his message reaches to donate to the Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center (LIAD). The Center provides a place where caregivers can trust to leave their loved ones for 4-5 hours, and be able to care for themselves in any way- like a nap, shower, or simply a break. Asparro works to connect these caregivers with the Long Island Alzheimers and Dementia Center so they do not feel alone. He has been able to work with the center to raise $250,000. That money goes to creating a safe environment where people feel comfortable leaving their loved ones.
The different locations Asparro will be running next week are as follows:
28th: LIAD Transportation Route- He will be running the bus route participants take who attend the the center’s day program
29th: Cedar Creek Park
30th: East Rockaway High School
31st: Farmingdale State College
1st: Howitt Middle School/ Farmingdale High School
2nd: Long Island Alzheimers and Dementia Center
3rd: NYC Marathon
This is the 9th annual Ann Asparro run. Jay has been raising awareness since 2016. More information about his incredible story can be found on his Instagram @jayasparro7.
