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The Time is Now

Our MOtivation

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.

These humbling statistics serve as a reminder

2023 Alzheimer's Disease Facts & Figures

An estimated 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.
Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. These caregivers provide more than 18 billion unpaid hours valued at nearly $340 billion.
One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
Between 2000 & 2019, heart disease has decreased by 7.3% while Alzheimer’s has increased by 145%.
In 2023, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $345 billion, by 2050 that cost will rise to $1 trillion.

Resources

2023 Concussion Facts & Figures

Falls, not just sports related, are the #1 cause of concussion.
The signs of a concussion are not always obvious. They can include unusual symptoms like sadness, repeating questions, tingling and trouble falling asleep.
Between 1.7 and 3 million sports and recreation related concussions happen each year. Around 300,000 of those are from football.
5 in 10 concussions go unreported or undetected.
2 in 10 high school athletes who play contact sports — including soccer and lacrosse — will get a concussion this year.

Making change happen

Our Programs

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.

Forget-Me-Not

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:

Card & letter writing drives to residents of memory care centers throughout the country
“Smile Box” deliveries to residents of memory care centers in our racing communities. These boxes contain items that bring comfort to someone with dementia like soft socks, lotions, adult coloring book and pencils, prepackaged snacks, and personal care items.
Holiday parties, gift drives and personal visits during the holiday season in memory care centers
Assistance to memory care centers to keep their residents active and engaged.

Alzheimer’s Association Partnership

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.

Fund-A-Fellow

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.

Youth Bike Helmet

In partnership with the NASCAR Foundation, we supply bike helmets to underserved youth participating in the NASCAR Foundation’s “Speediatric Fun Day Festivals” at various NASCAR tracks throughout the county. These festivals promote a healthy lifestyle for life, including brain health!

Community Outreach

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.