Claws for a Cause: A Feast for Alzheimer's

Claws for a Cause: A Feast for Alzheimer's

Let's get crackin' to kick off the first annual HFF Crab Feast!

On October 4th, 2025, we come together to honor the life of Anita Huff, who's decade long journey with dementia came to a close at the young age of 61. As the primary caregiver and representative for Anita after her diagnosis, Joshua has experienced first hand the demands of this journey.

These annual feasts are in honor of Anita's journey with Alzheimer's Disease and other Related Dementias (ADRD). This event is Joshua's tribute to thier shared story and a continuation of Anita's long held tradition of hosting crab feasts on her birthday.

All funds are being donated to the Alzhimer's Association for research, treatments, and community resources!

------------------

The Inspiration:

Born October 7th, 1963, Anita Huff the firecracker was born. Growing up under the roof of a US Soldier and an Armenian mother who immigrated from Iran for love, Anita was exposed to a tender and tough home. She traveled the country to dance, twirl baton, played sports, ran track, was on the drum core team, and so much more. It's safe to say Anita lived her life to the fullest.

Unbeknownst to the looming danger of Alzheimer's Disease and other Related Dementias, she lived her life without apolgoy. She had unfortunately grown to become a survivor of Domestic Violence from her first marriage, which left her with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) at a very young age. Strong as she was, she suffered more accounts of abuse before she finally left for a better life. Some years later, Anita remarried and gave birth to her 3 incredible children - Ricki, Joshua, and Holly Ann, oldest to youngest in that order. Yet, despite a beautiful life, this marriage also ended in turmoil with a deep wedge driven through an entire family tree.

Anita fought hard to give her children everything she could as a single mother. She did her very best to put them all through dance, sports, theatre, gymnastics, schooling, and so much more. She hopefully paced herself through another decade long relationship that ended with her ultimately going at it alone. With her children grown and sustainable, she continued to work while also helping to care for her son adult Joshua as he navigated various health issues.

However, all the years of struggle, traumas, and fighting had cuaght up to her. Not shortly after the COVID-19 shutdown began, Anita had been admitted to the Howard County Psych Ward and was then transfered to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore for testing. With a diagnosis of Severe Progressive Aphasia and Mixed Dementias, Joshua became her primary caregiver and assumed the responsibility of managing her life. As Anita progressed through the levels of Dementia, she never stopped being herself. She never stopped dancing to her favorite songs. She never stopped dreaming of a better life. She always remembered her childhood in Calverton, her good friends, and her beautiful children. She danced until she couldn't dance any more, and loved with all her heart until she laid to rest.

-----------------------------

FINAL WORDS FROM JOSHUA HUFF

Believe me, this is the short version of the story. But all in all, the message we must take away from this is that we have to believe that the people around us are trying their best, just as you and I are. Day in and day out, navigating the twists and turns of life. In light of this, don't ask your people "what is wrong with you?!", instead ask "what happened to you?". For life is a string of causes and effects that we may not always have control over, and yet, we must go on to face the music. So, join me in honoring Anita, and all the people we don't know who have to face the music of Alzhimer's and other Related Dementias. For there is truly no dance like it.

Thank you all for coming together with me during this time. I pray this is just the start of something beautiful for The Huff Foundation for Fundraising. Be well my friends.

Sincerely,

Joshua Huff

Info: Founder of The Huff Foundation for Fundraising, Joshua Huff, and representatives from the Alzheimer's Association, will say a short few words to express their gratitude and reinforce the meaning for this fundraiser.

Info: Feel the rhythm and soul of local artist and community advocate, Joshua Huff. With his heart set on storytelling and inspiring captive audiences, this is surely a performance you won't want to miss! Featuring covers and ORIGINAL MUSIC.

Info: Our Sponsors will have the spotlight to discuss what they do to positively impact our communities and inform you on how you can be apart of such meaningful change.

Info: Closing remarks and final goodbyes.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar, 6626 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, United States