Our motivation to help those with brain health issues comes from our firsthand experience dealing with the brain health issues of Alzheimer’s disease and concussion in our family. These humbling statistics serve as a reminder of how urgent it is to spread awareness and find a cure.
The Ryan Blaney Family Foundation has developed programs and partnerships that allow us to maximize our efforts and resources to help those experiencing an Alzheimer’s or concussion diagnosis.
The Forget-Me-Not flower is a symbol for people united against Alzheimer’s. In that spirit, our “Forget Me Not” programs are designed to provide personal interaction with those living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia to combat loneliness. Programs include:
The RBFF works closely with the Alzheimer’s Association to help provide funding for services such as online and in person support groups in local communities, a 24/7 Hotline, and research to find a cure.
Our “Fund-A- Fellow” program is our signature concussion program that funds the training of fellows at the world-renowned UPMC Concussion Clinic. Upon completion of the 2-year program, these doctors will move on to other practices throughout the country, thereby eliminating the need for all patients to travel to Pittsburgh, PA for treatment. It is our way of helping to get expert concussion care to more people throughout the United States.
Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s demands time, energy, and emotional resilience, often more than one person can shoulder alone. As the disease progresses and symptoms like memory loss and behavioral changes intensify, the level of care required increases dramatically. This can lead to chronic stress, depression, and burnout. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, it is an act of strength and an important step toward protecting the caregiver’s well-being.
Every day, caregivers across the country dedicate themselves to supporting loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. They give with love, but often at the expense of their own health, peace of mind, and well-being.
They Ryan Blaney Family Foundation in partnership with Hilarity for Charity, provides a vital solution to this problem by providing in-home respite care grants to families facing financial and emotional hardships due to the unique challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Each grant offers 100 hours of professional, in-home care.
This gift of time is a lifeline for families who are emotionally and physically stretched. It gives caregivers the opportunity to rest, recharge, and simply breathe. It empowers them to focus on their families, their careers, and themselves—without guilt or fear.
Helmets are essential for youth safety in both sports and recreation. Whether riding a bike or tackling on the field, helmets dramatically reduce the risk of serious head injuries and fatalities. By absorbing the impact of a fall or collision, they protect the brain and give youth the confidence to play safely and stay active.
The Ryan Blaney Family Foundation’s “Heads Up” Youth Helmet Program provides over 1,000 helmets and padded football helmet covers each year to underserved children in our race communities across the country. From bike trails to football fields, we are working to protect young minds—one helmet at a time.
Throughout the year, we bring our RBFF tent to racetracks and community events around the country to provide information and resources on Alzheimer’s disease and concussions.
Caregivers of individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), including concussion, face an overwhelming “new norm.” The emotional, psychological, and financial strain can be immense, especially while managing the complex physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of a TBI survivor. Navigating the healthcare system and adjusting to long-term changes adds to the burden, often leaving caregivers isolated and exhausted. Through a partnership with Love Your Brain, the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation provides grants for TBI caregivers to attend online and in-person retreats that offer a supportive space to heal, learn and grow. These retreats focus on improving quality of life, building inner resilience, and fostering a more fulfilling life after brain injury.
Dementia day care centers are essential lifelines for families. These structured environments promote both mental and physical well-being of participants while giving caregivers time to work, time to rest, and space to connect with others facing similar challenges. Day care keeps families together for longer.
The Ryan Blaney Family Foundation’s Dementia Day Care Support & Garden Program equips local centers with crucial resources to offer enriching activities that support cognitive function and ensure a safe, supportive environment for participants. When space permits, we also design and build therapeutic dementia gardens that provide secure, peaceful outdoor spaces that encourage physical activity, engage the senses, evoke memories, ease anxiety, and nurture social connection.
We are dedicated to raising brain health awareness and providing resources for people, families, and caregivers facing an Alzheimer’s disease or concussion diagnosis.
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