When You Love What You Do

Written By Rob Cerbone

How Lydia Borenstein from CTS Turned Mah Jongg into Alzheimer's Advocacy

"When you combine something that you love with a cause that matters, you create something truly special."

That's Lydia Borenstein, Senior Recruiter in Human Resources at Communication Technology Services (CTS), reflecting on the past five years of her work with Mah Jongg for Memories. What started as a small gathering in a driveway has grown into a meaningful fundraising movement that's raising awareness and dollars for the Alzheimer's Association.

A Passion Meets a Purpose

Lydia didn't set out to become an Alzheimer's advocate. She didn't have a personal connection to the disease. Instead, she stumbled upon the Mah Jongg for Memories group about five years ago - a national team working under the Alzheimer's Association's "Do What You Love to End ALZ" campaign - and thought, "Why not?"

The logic was simple but powerful. Lydia is an avid Mah Jongg player who teaches the game to small groups and through community education programs. She understood firsthand what research confirms: strategy games like Mah Jongg keep the mind active and foster meaningful social interaction. Both of these factors help fight the onset of Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases. Playing the game she loves while supporting a cause that matters? That was an easy decision.

Starting Small, Growing Big

Lydia's first event in 2021 was modest in scale. She invited a few friends to play Mah Jongg in her driveway for a small donation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when outdoor gatherings felt safer and more appealing. She set up card tables, provided light snacks, and asked for a $21 donation to support Alzheimer's research.

She added one more touch. Since purple is the color associated with Alzheimer's awareness, she asked her guests to wear purple to make the event fun. Now, that's become part of the tradition. In fact, at this year's events, Lydia stepped out of her comfort zone and temporarily tinted her hair purple - talk about commitment.

Each year, her program has continued to expand. By 2025, Lydia was hosting two events. One took place in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she lives. The other was in Dover, Massachusetts, where she's built friendships through teaching Mah Jongg. The growth didn't go unnoticed by local faith communities either - both a synagogue and a church donated their spaces to host these events.

2025: A Year of Growth and Community

The expanded 2025 events drew Mah Jongg players who came to play, purchase raffle tickets for items donated by local businesses, enjoy snacks, and contribute to the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. The result? Together, the two events raised $5,585.54 - a significant jump from her initial efforts five years earlier.

Nationally, the impact has been even more remarkable. Last year alone, the Mah Jongg for Memories team across the country held over 60 events and raised nearly $250,000 for the Alzheimer's Association.

CTS recognized the significance of Lydia's work, becoming a GOLD LEVEL supporter of her programs.

The Movement Continues

In November 2025, Lydia was honored with an invitation to speak at the Do What You Love to End ALZ Fall Rally, sharing her story with a broader audience of advocates and fundraisers.

Her message is clear - this is a program for anyone with a passion they'd like to share. Whether you love baking, gaming, golfing, or simply sharing a fundraising link with friends, there's a place for you. "Every action matters," Lydia says. "Volunteers are the heart and light of this movement."

You Can Make a Difference

If Lydia's story inspires you and you want to turn your own passion into a fundraising event, the Alzheimer's Association's "Do What You Love to End ALZ" campaign is here to support you. You don't need to be an expert Mah Jongg player - you just need something you love and the desire to make a difference.

For questions or support:

As Lydia would say, let's not whisper. Let's shout it from the rooftops.

Rob Cerbone