#NYUHockey #PlayItFWD

December 9, 2018

In the past few weeks we have had some amazing people raise awareness for Autoimmune Encephalitis and raise funds for the AE Alliance, so we can continue to invest in research and improve clinical care.

Let’s start in New York City. A friend of one of NYU’s hockey players got diagnosed in the spring with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. This prompted him to raise awareness for AE. On November 16th  NYU hosted Liberty University and AE Alliance was featured as the Charity of the Game. Sabir Semerkant represented the AE Alliance at this event, handing out brochures and talking about AE with players and spectators.

Subsequently, last weekend in Greenville, SC, a group of high school students held Play It FWD (the first of many more to come!). An annual live music event, where the students pick a charity to support. This year, students chose to support the AE Alliance in support of Luke, a band member, high school student, co-founder of “Play it FWD” and a survivor of Autoimmune Encephalitis. 175 people attended this great event and had a blast!

What these two events have in common, is that in both cases unfortunately people were affected by AE either directly or indirectly. In both cases, in the spirit of the AE Alliance, they decided to help others, to connect with others, to support others and raise awareness. And that is just AMAZING! Thank you so much!

Click here to get an impression of Play It FWD