Discover Nana’s Books Foundation
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Dr. Dennis Dulniak, Mark Dulniak, and Craig Dulniak of Nana’s Books Foundation for a meaningful conversation about Alzheimer’s disease, family caregiving, children’s literacy, empathy, and the lasting legacy of Nancy Dulniak.
About Nana’s Books Foundation:
Nana’s Books Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting literacy, empathy, and awareness through the power of books.
The Foundation was created in honor of Nancy Dulniak, a lifelong librarian who passed away from Early-Onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 69. Nancy believed books could open minds, inspire compassion, and help children better understand the world around them.
Founded in 2020, Nana’s Books Foundation provides age- and grade-appropriate books and educational resources focused on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, disabilities, caregiving, empathy, resilience, and acceptance. Through partnerships with schools, public libraries, and community organizations, the Foundation helps families begin important conversations that can otherwise be difficult to navigate.
Special emphasis is placed on supporting Title I schools and underserved communities.
Since its founding, Nana’s Books Foundation has expanded across 16 states and the District of Columbia, distributing more than 26,000 books to nearly 12,000 students and classrooms, as well as 29 school libraries and 20 public libraries.
At its heart, the Foundation carries forward Nancy’s lifelong commitment to children, education, libraries, and compassion.
About Dr. Dennis Dulniak:
Dr. Dennis Dulniak is Founder and President of Nana’s Books Foundation.
After a 40-year career in higher education, including serving as University Registrar at the University of Central Florida and as a Vice President at Parchment, Dennis became a caregiver when Nancy was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2014.
For more than seven years, Dennis served as Nancy’s care partner, gaining firsthand insight into dementia caregiving, changing relationships, communication, and advocacy.
Following Nancy’s passing, he dedicated his retirement to honoring her through Nana’s Books Foundation. Dennis is also a Co-Founder of Central Florida Dementia-Friendly Dining, a facilitator and resource for a large men’s caregiver support group, and a member of the Central Florida Dementia Care and Cure Initiative.
Today, he shares his family’s journey to help caregivers, children, and communities better understand dementia.
About Mark Dulniak:
Mark Dulniak, the eldest son of Nancy and Dennis Dulniak, is Co-Founder and Treasurer of Nana’s Books Foundation.
The Foundation’s roots began in 2018 when Mark started donating books to Knoxville-area classrooms in honor of his mother. Students wrote thank-you notes to Nancy, bringing her tremendous joy during her journey with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s disease.
That tradition eventually grew into Nana’s Books Foundation, ensuring Nancy’s lifelong love of books and learning would continue to impact future generations.
Mark now helps expand the organization’s reach to Title I schools, school libraries, public libraries, students, and families. He also advocates for families to begin age-appropriate conversations with children about dementia, using books as a compassionate way to help them understand what is happening to someone they love.
About Craig Dulniak:
Craig Dulniak, the youngest son of Nancy and Dennis Dulniak, serves as Secretary Emeritus of Nana’s Books Foundation and lives with his wife and son in Philadelphia.
During one of Nancy’s final visits to Philadelphia, Craig took her to his local public library to sign her grandson up for his first library card at just one year old—a fitting reflection of Nancy’s lifelong connection to books and libraries.
Craig hopes Nana’s Books Foundation will help children better understand dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, disabilities, and caregiving by increasing access to books addressing topics often underrepresented in children’s literature.
Through the Foundation, the Dulniak family continues Nancy’s legacy through every book shared and every conversation inspired about kindness, empathy, understanding, and inclusion.