Music is often a comforting therapy for people living with Alzheimer’s disease. 18-year-old Ben Miller realized this fact at a young age. He will be performing a benefit concert to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association on Tuesday, April 20th at Johnnie Brown’s in Delray Beach.
“My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015,” said Miller, who is a senior at North Broward Preparatory School. “I found that if I sang old nostalgic tunes to her, she was able to hum along and often finish the lines to the songs. It allowed us to communicate on a different level once her verbal skills started to diminish.”
Inspired by his grandmother, whom he affectionately calls “Beeba,” Miller has been raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association alongside his mother, Tanya, for years. Recently, Miller also started gaining traction as an up-and-coming music artist, having released his debut single “Malibu Water” in February. Next week, he plans to combine those two passions with an Alzheimer’s benefit concert.
“My grandmother is a huge supporter of me and always has been, so that’s why I’m really wanting to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association through this event,” Miller noted, adding that he is releasing his second single, “Your Lies,” this weekend before the concert.
The will offer attendees an opportunity to enjoy Miller’s latest music while supporting the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. A portion of both Miller’s tips and the venue’s drink sales will benefit the Boca Raton Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will take place Sunday, Nov. 14.
“Music brings happiness,” Miller added, “and I want to share that joy with others.”
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans are currently battling the disease, including 580,000 Floridians.
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research programs. Although the event was held virtually last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alzheimer’s Association is moving forward with plans to walk in person this year.
Stefanie Mardar, director of the Boca Raton Walk to End Alzheimer’s, said: “Thanks to dedicated community members like Ben, the Alzheimer’s Association is able to provide 24/7 care and support while advancing critical Alzheimer’s research. Families facing Alzheimer’s and dementia need our help now more than ever, so we are thrilled to have such wonderful volunteers helping us to support them.”
Miller’s benefit concert at Johnnie Brown’s will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20. For donations and additional information, contact Ben Miller at (561) 901-0900 or [email protected], or Tanya Miller at (561) 866-9627 or [email protected].
To learn more about Walk to End Alzheimer’s or join a team, visit www.alz.org/walk.