The Longest Day
Fighting Alzheimer’s In A Time Of World-Wide Crisis
Alzheimer’s disease has become one of the costliest medical conditions in America due to the need for long-term care for those stricken, yet the dollars devoted to research for a cure are far short of what is needed. As our population ages and life expectancy reaches new records, more of us are affected by the disease in one way or another, either as a person with dementia, or caregiver or loved one concerned with the well-being of someone afflicted. Currently 690,000 Californians age 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s, with more than 1.6 million unpaid caregivers providing $24 trillion’ worth of unpaid care.
The Alzheimer’s Association is leading the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. To help the Association reach its goals, volunteers and donors join the staff to provide support with time and money. Volunteer-led classes and support groups augment those offered by a staff of professionals dedicated to achieving its vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
As spread of the novel Coronavirus changed the way most of the world lived and worked starting in late March, Alzheimer’s Association in-person classes and support groups continue weekly via telephone conference calls, webinars and virtual meetings online. The 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900 continues to offer specialists and master’s-level clinicians who give confidential support and information to people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public, all free of charge.
As spring turns into summer, San Diegans and caring individuals across the country help support the Alzheimer’s Association mission by creating individual fundraisers based on their own hobbies and interests. It is called “The Longest Day.” From simply engaging friends in rock climbing, hikes or other independent activities, millions of dollars have been raised over the past few years. This year, many of these events will be held virtually through the web.
There are countless fun and unique virtual fundraisers that can easily be done from home or wherever it is most convenient for you, given the social distancing restrictions we have faced. In the past few months, we have all seen the creative ways people have discovered to connect online. For The Longest Day you may teach any skill you have – cooking, yoga, or crafting; have a virtual dance party or schedule a movie night with friends and family all across the country. The sky really is the limit with The Longest Day!
Funds raised benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s Disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Join the thousands of caring individuals and companies who will take part now in the fight against the Alzheimer’s disease and all forms of dementia.
If you have an idea for an activity you can turn into your own personal fundraiser to help those with Alzheimer’s, go the Alzheimer’s Association web site at www.alz.org/TheLongestDay and joint the fight.
www.alz.org/sandiego
