Longtime Alzheimer's Association Member Andy Cahn Passes Away

From The Alzheimer's Association: William M. “Andy” Cahn III of Armonk, 79, a longtime board member and devoted champion of the Alzheimer’s Association’s cause, passed away on Jan. 9. Cahn served on the chapter’s board of directors since 2008 as its chair and in many other capacities, volunteering as a caregiver support group facilitator and participating in the chapter’s advocacy efforts as the organization’s ambassador to Congresswoman Nita Lowey.

“Andy was an amazing man, and a tremendous supporter of the Hudson Valley Chapter in so many ways. We will truly miss him as a passionate advocate for ending Alzheimer's and as a wonderful person,” said David Sobel, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association Hudson Valley Chapter.

Andy Cahn, his wife, Jane Cahn, and his mother, Margaret Cahn, became increasingly involved with the Alzheimer’s Association following the death of his father in 2001 from Alzheimer’s- related causes. They ultimately joined the Zenith Society, the Association’s highest and most involved level of philanthropy.

Their generous donations in support of Alzheimer’s research were recognized by the chapter’s creation of the Margaret M. Cahn Research Award, given annually to a New York City-area winner of the Zenith Award selected by the Cahn family.

“Andy’s commitment to ending Alzheimer’s, to enriching the care and support programs offered by the Association, provided us with a light and example to follow as we all achieved the goals of our mission,” said former board chair and emeritus board member Neil Klar. “We could count on Andy to be at every support session he led, every board meeting, every committee meeting every call, every event. … Now it is up to us to honor the many high ideals Andy stood for and taught us, and I know we will not disappoint him.”

Cahn was a graduate of Bucknell University with an economics degree who worked on Wall Street for 14 years before earning a master’s degree in education at Manhattanville College. After obtaining his degree, he taught eighth-grade history at Bronxville Schools for 26 years, serving as a member of the board of education for the Mount Pleasant Blythedale Union Free School District. Following his retirement from teaching, Cahn worked with the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center at Manhattanville College.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz.org/hudsonvalley or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Photo Courtesy of The Alzheimer's Association