North Andover Musician To Hold Alzheimer’s Benefit Concert

Press release via Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — On Saturday, March 22, North Andover-native Michelle Canning and her Michelle Canning Band will host an Alzheimer’s benefit concert in honor of her grandfather who lived with Alzheimer’s. The 14th annual “A Night on the Edge!” will raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) to support programs and services for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and research towards better treatment and a cure. The concert will take place at Chelmsford Elks Hall (300 Littleton Road, Chelmsford) at 7:00 pm.

Michelle Canning said, “It is truly an honor to use my music to raise money for the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. The resources they provide for families suffering from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are so invaluable. I created this concert in memory of my Grandpa, and later my aunts and my friends, and I continue to do it for the people who are suffering now and in the future. I hope to make those from my past proud as we raise funds to help those of the present and future.”

“Michelle Canning understands Alzheimer’s disease’s impact on families firsthand, and she continues to make a difference for many families just like hers through this benefit. Her talent and passion for music and helping others have made an enormous impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, one which grows larger each year. AFA is extraordinarily grateful for her efforts and generosity,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and chief executive officer.

The cause hits home for Ms. Canning as her grandfather, Ken Canning, Sr., had Alzheimer’s disease and passed away at the age of 82 from the illness. She co-wrote a song in his honor called “It’ll Take Him Away.” She also co-wrote a fictional song about a woman with Alzheimer’s called “Better Left Unsaid” which she will perform at the benefit concert.

People can share photos of their loved ones who are living with, or have passed from, Alzheimer’s. up to a week in advance, by sending them to info@MichelleCanning.net a week in advance of the concert to be shown during the performance.

To date, the annual benefit has raised more than $83,000 for AFA. Proceeds raised by the event help fund AFA programs and services nationwide, which include a National Toll-Free Helpline, the National Memory Screening Program, therapeutic and educational programs, caregiver support groups, professional training, as well as research towards better treatment and a cure.

Currently, more than 135,000 people in Massachusetts are living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Tickets for Michelle Canning’s March 22 benefit concert in support of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America can be purchased at www.michellecanning.net. Those who cannot attend but would like to make a donation can do so by visiting www.michellecanning.net or www.alzfdn.org/donate.