Jay Asparro has transformed his love for his late grandmother, Ann Asparro, and passion for running into his blueprint for making a difference - one mile, one person, and one family at a time. Watching his grandmother struggle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and seeing what his family members physically and emotionally endured to care for her daily, was devastating.

In 2016, feelings of frustration and helplessness led Jay to use Ultra Endurance Runs as a platform to raise awareness, donations, and support families living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Over the last 7 years, The Ann Asparro Run has raised $200,000 for The Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center (LIAD), a non-profit in Westbury, supporting day programs and services that provide respite for the caregiver.

In 2021, Jay and partner Jennifer Kurtzman expanded their mission. Fundraising events, talks, collaborations and their popular Caregiver Conversations Instagram Live series propelled the launch of The Ann Asparro Project in 2022.

The Ann Asparro Project uses donations from the run and other fundraising efforts to help families living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia on Long Island, providing support and resources.

How can you help? Join Jay on Oct 14th and 15th at Farmingdale State College as he takes to the track (again) to complete 100 miles for the 8th Ann Asparro Run!

For more info, follow @Jayasparro7 on Instagram or visit the annasparrorun.com