Wednesday's Warrior: Vernon man honors father living with early-onset Alzheimer's
VERNON, Conn. (WTNH) — Music has long been a source of healing, but for Jason Turek, it's also a way to stay connected to his father.
'My dad, Andy, was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's at the age of 59,' Turek of Vernon said.
The diagnosis was devastating, but Jason found comfort in the melodies.
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'Although it's heartbreaking to watch his memory slip away, we've learned to connect in many other ways- my favorite being through both of our love of music,' said.
That connection inspired 'Sing to Remember,' a musical fundraiser now entering its fifth year.
This year's event is on Sunday, June 1, at the Butterfly restaurant in West Hartford, with performances, karaoke, raffles, and more.
'My upcoming fundraiser is gonna be awesome,' and the goal is to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer's Association of Connecticut. 'It's important to me to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association because millions of patients are affected, yet so many people still don't understand Alzheimer's. Raising awareness helps to eliminate the stigma. Also, the funds go to great things like research, our caregivers, and our families,' he said.
Music plays a powerful role in this story, not just for healing, but for communication.
'It's also helped me reconnect with my dad in ways that words can't express. When words fail, he still understands the melody of a great song,' he said. 'My message to other families that may have a loved one battling Alzheimer's is to remember you are not alone. The disease is very cruel, but always remember that love will find a way—and celebrate the small wins.'
For Jason, music has become more than a passion.
It's a bridge between past and present, a way to honor his father and a reminder that even in memory's fading light, love still plays on.
Scan the QR code to attend and donate.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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