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June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. Now is the time to join the Alzheimer’s Association to raise awareness and take action.
On June 20, 2021, people across the world will participate in an activity of their choice for The Longest Day. The Longest Day is held on the day with the most light – the summer solstice – to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s disease.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, Longest Day participants can support the event “virtually” through “at-home” and “social-distance” activities – biking, hiking, playing bridge, knitting, and more.I’m joining participants around the world to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s and raising critical awareness and funds to advance Alzheimer’s Association care, support and research programs.
I participate in The Longest Day each year because my father suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease for over 10 years and my mother was his caregiver. As a loving daughter, I had to ensure both of my parents were getting the care they needed, and yet I saw them both suffer for very different reasons. My father was a pillar in the community and did everything right. As an OB/GYN he brought life into the world. As a father, he bestowed unending love on my sister and me. He was a handsome and loving husband. He exercised, lived a healthy lifestyle, volunteered his time to help the underserved. Yet nothing could save him from Alzheimer’s Disease. We need treatment. We need a cure. And until then, we need more help for the unpaid and overwhelmed family members who care for their loved ones.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, and more than 11 million family members and friends are providing care and support.
In Florida alone, there are more than 580,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than half a million family members and friends providing care.
Join me in fighting the darkness of Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org/thelongestday to sign up and select an activity.
For more information please contact Tara Auclair, Committee Chair, The longest Day Volunteer Committee, Alzheimer’s Association of Southeast Florida at 561-212-0903.
