The Longest Day: Help the Alzheimer's Association in the Fight to End Alzheimer's Disease
June 21st is the Longest Day, a date dedicated to fundraising for Alzheimer’s research and remembering loved ones affected by the disease
June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness month, and the Alzheimer’s Association has created a variety of events, fundraisers, and educational materials to promote dementia awareness. In addition to providing families with the resources and support they need to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Association focuses on fighting for a cure. The organization’s efforts continue throughout the year, but June is a wonderful month to contribute to the cause.
ComfortCare Homes in Wichita, KS, participates in a local annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s each fall. The 2017 event was in October along the scenic Water Walk in the heart of Wichita. Participants of all ages gathered to participate in the walk, fundraise in memory of loved ones, and continue to fight for a cure.
June 21st: The Longest Day
June 21st is the summer solstice, the official start to the summer season and also the longest day of the year with daylight at its peak. After June 21st, days slowly get shorter until the autumnal equinox. As it falls during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is using this day to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.
The Longest Day is designed to show support and love to those impacted by Alzheimer’s, whether that may be senior loved ones, family caregivers, or healthcare professionals. People are encouraged to educate themselves about Alzheimer’s, fundraise for future research, and celebrate the lives of those affected by the disease. All month long, but especially on June 21st, people are encouraged to wear purple to show their support and start the conversation about Alzheimer’s and dementia care. [Source]
How You Can Participate
The Longest Day is all about love: love for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Select any activity you love – or honor those affected by choosing something they loved – to help raise Alzheimer’s awareness. Together, with others across the nation, we can raise funds and create awareness for care and support while advancing dementia research.
Some examples from Longest Day participants include:
- Dancing
- Hiking
- Performing songs, poetry, or music
- Cycling
- Bowling
- Crafting
- Gardening
- Playing card games
Some of us may have conflicts or challenges with participating on the summer solstice, Thursday, June 21. As a participant in The Longest Day, you can fundraise and honor those affected by Alzheimer’s in a way, and on a day, that works with your schedule. What will you do? [Source]
Importance of Alzheimer’s Awareness
Alzheimer’s disease is currently the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. While advancements have been made in diagnosing and managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, there is no cure for the disease. Not only are millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s, but more than 16 million family and friends provide care for people living with dementia. That is a significant amount of people who are affected by dementia every single day.
Continuing to share our experiences, learn from one another, and improve our approach to memory care can benefit the lives of people right here in our own community. As a leading provider of residential memory care, ComfortCare Homes Wichita is committed to being on the forefront of Alzheimer’s care. Our staff participates in on-going education and learning opportunities throughout the year to learn how to provide the best memory care possible.
By participating in national fundraisers, like The Longest Day, we are able to help provide care and support to all those facing Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Associations uses funds to make support groups, 24-hour hotlines, and educational materials available for free to families caring for a loved one. Funds also drive research toward treatment, prevention, and ultimately a care for Alzheimer’s.
For more information about memory care services provided by ComfortCare Homes, please call our office at (316) 444-0532.