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Alzheimer's Foundation of America 'Together for Care' Telethon to Include Leading Celebrities

NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In tribute to their own loved ones or other individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease, leading celebrities will unite around this looming health crisis by participating in the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA)'s "Together for Care" telethon on December 4.

Al Roker of the "Today" show will serve as host, and actor Hector Elizondo, AFA's honorary celebrity chairman, will help to educate the public about the disease that took his mother's life.

Performances will include the ladies of Wilson Phillips, who recently reunited to record their first-ever holiday CD, "Christmas in Harmony." Mixing brand new and classic, the vocal trio will usher in the holidays with a song from their latest album, as well as perform "Hold On," the harmony-rich hit from their first album that sounds a symbolic message for the telethon.

Among other performers, country music artist Brett Eldredge will bring home the reality of Alzheimer's disease when he sings his new single "Raymond"--with heartfelt lyrics inspired by his own grandmother's memory loss.

Also lending their support will be Scott Adsit, Grizz Chapman and Katrina Bowden of the NBC sitcom "30 Rock," "Today" show co-anchor Natalie Morales and nutrition contributor Joy Bauer, talk show host Wendy Williams, actor Steve Guttenberg, and actress and singer Nikki Blonsky. Additional celebrities will be announced shortly.

The show is designed to entertain and educate viewers, heighten awareness of the urgency of care and cure, and raise funds to meet the needs of the growing number of people with the brain disorder, especially as the first wave of baby boomers turn 65 next year. It will air in 16 major markets on NBC and be telecast online on AFA's Web site for national viewing.

The telethon will provide insight from experts into the current state of Alzheimer's disease, and shed light on the daily challenges faced by families impacted by the disease.

"Alzheimer's disease is hitting home more and more each day, and with each case, the need for resources becomes that much more urgent," said Eric J. Hall, AFA's president and CEO. "We must motivate the nation to pay attention and to pitch in. This healthcare crisis must be a national priority."

In addition to watching the telethon, AFA is encouraging the public to get involved by sharing tributes to loved ones on AFA's Facebook discussion page, and initiating community and corporate fundraising projects. AFA has also unveiled a line of telethon-related products available on its e-Store at www.alzfdn.org; among them, a T-shirt that spreads the message, "I Care."

For more details about the telethon, including air times, visit www.alzfdn.org or call 866-232-8484. Eisai Inc., a human health care company, is the telethon's platinum sponsor. The show is being produced by Al Roker Entertainment.

With an estimated 5.1 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the telethon comes as the nation braces for an escalating incidence of the brain disorder due largely to the aging population. Advanced age is the greatest known risk factor. The disease results in loss of memory and other intellectual function, and is now the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in New York whose mission is to provide optimal care and services to individuals with dementia, and their families. It unites more than 1,400 member organizations that provide hands-on programs to meet the educational, emotional and practical needs of families in their local communities. AFA's services include a toll-free hot line, counseling, educational materials, a free caregiver magazine, and professional training. For information, call 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Foundation of America