McMurray couple join fight against Alzheimer’s
A South Hills yoga business owned by a McMurray couple is joining the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
YogaSix in the Galleria of Mt. Lebanon, owned by Jarrid and Krissy Danburg, is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pennsylvania as part of The Longest Day initiative Wednesday. Each year on the summer solstice, the year-round initiative culminates with people around the world coming together to fight Alzheimer’s disease through fundraising.
“The longest day is one of our signature fundraising events,” said Nathaniel Sofranko, development manager for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pennsylvania. “It’s really focused on using people’s passions, hobbies and interests to raise funds and awareness for us in any way they see fit. Money raised supports our mission.”
The Danburgs decided that since June 21 also is International Yoga Day, they wanted to be involved.
“Research suggests that, through yoga, your brain develops new connections that improve cognitive skills such as learning and memory,” Jarrid Danburg said. “These new connections can play a key role in improving quality of life and alleviating symptoms of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.”
YogaSix is hosting four classes between 6 and 10:30 a.m. on June 21. A donation of $5 will be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pennsylvania for each person who attends a class in addition to a matching donation of 50% of proceeds from new memberships and class packages purchased.
Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, the official color of the Alzheimer’s movement, and lights in the YogaSix studio will be purple to support the initiative.
Also that day, Montana Mitchell, YogaSix South Hills lead teacher, will teach a yoga class at PNC Park after that afternoon’s game between the Pirates and the Chicago Cubs. The class is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Other guest teachers will be Dr. Sally Sherman, associate professor of practice within the Department of Health and Human Development at the University of Pittsburgh, and Paco Mahone, a yoga instructor who also plans to play the cello during the event.
A portion of game ticket sales will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
Sofranko said the Alzheimer’s Association has partnered with the Pirates on past ventures.
“Having this opportunity to be a little more unique with this on-field experience is something that is enticing to more people,” Sofranko said.