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Illness can often divide families, but for B. Smith and Dan Gasby it has brought them closer together.
In 2013, at the age of 64, the restaurateur, magazine publisher, celebrity chef, model and lifestyle maven B. Smith was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Also known as younger-onset, the disease affects people younger than the age of 65. Of the 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, it is estimated that approximately 200,000 individuals have received the early onset diagnosis and these numbers are growing.
Since her diagnosis, B. and her husband, Dan, have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and coauthored "BEFORE I FORGET: Love, Hope, Help, and Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer’s"? (Harmony Books, January 2016).
The book chronicles their obstacles, lessons learned, and vision for the future.
“Alzheimer’s is an overwhelming and devastating disease. We’ve got to put a line in the sand and do what we can to make a difference. If sharing our story helps one person, it’s worth it,” said Dan Gasby.
B. serves as a voice for the 5.4 million Americans who are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
“What has been given to me has been given to me. It’s not the worst thing. It’s a lifestyle that’s totally changed. But we’re alive… I want to continue to be the best I can be,” she said.
Click here to purchase tickets ($250) online or call (860) 828.2828.
There will be silent and live auctions and guests are encouraged to wear the Alzheimer's signature color purple to the event with cocktails on the terrace, dinner and dancing to the What Up Funk Band.
The evening will also feature remarks by Herb Magley, Alzheimer’s Association spokesperson and fundraiser, whose wife lost her battle with early onset Alzheimer’s in December 2015.
The event is from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor, 500 Steamboat Road, Greenwich.
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