Residents Across Colorado Raise Alzheimer’s Awareness for The Longest Day®
Denver, CO (PRWEB) May 21, 2014 -- People across Colorado and around the world will join together to honor those facing Alzheimer's disease by participating in The Longest Day® on Saturday, June 21, 2014. The Longest Day is a sunrise-to-sunset team fundraising event to honor the strength, passion and endurance of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Teams will complete 16 hours, one day, filled with activity to raise funds and awareness for the efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Held annually on the summer solstice, The Longest Day symbolizes the seemingly endless journey so many facing Alzheimer’s disease are asked to endure. Participants are asked to complete approximately 16 hours of activity ranging from running, to biking, to cooking, to knitting, to playing bridge, all to help advance Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The beauty of this event is its flexibility. Participants can do something for just one hour or all 16. They can choose to do the same activity as a team or choose to do something they love individually while still contributing funds and energy to the team who has committed to being active from sunrise to sunset.
“The Association encourages everyone who has been touched by this disease to grab your friends, do what you love, raise big bucks, plan your day, and celebrate at sunset,” stated Linda Mitchell, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter. “The journey with Alzheimer’s is a long one, averaging 4-8 years after diagnosis and as care becomes more complex there is a tremendous emotional, physical and financial tool taken on the caregiver. This event is a chance to honor those tireless caregivers.”
This year’s participants are already gearing up with 35 Colorado teams registered to bike, hike, knit, walk and even climb mountains. One team led by Carla Sieczkowski is planning to summit three Colorado 14,000 foot peaks. These volunteers are raising awareness and support as Alzheimer’s disease becomes an epidemic and the nation’s sixth leading cause of death. More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including more than 60,000 in Colorado with another 229,000 people providing their care mostly at home. And the number diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is estimated to grow to as many as 16 million by year 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association® 2014 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures report. “Registering a team for The Longest Day offers a unique way to honor the dedication of caregivers while raising funds critical to the support, resources and education offered at no cost by the Association across the state,” continued Mitchell.
To start a team or learn more about The Longest Day, visit alz.org/thelongestday or facebook.com/fightalz. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org/co.
The Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter is the premier source of information and support for the more than 60,000 Coloradoans with Alzheimer’s disease, and their more than 229,000 caregivers. Through its statewide network of offices, the Alzheimer’s Association offers education, counseling, support groups, Medic Alert + Safe Return and Comfort Zone, and a 24-hour Helpline, at no cost to families, and funds advancements in research to prevent, treat and eventually conquer this disease. The Alzheimer’s Association advocates for those living with Alzheimer’s and their families on related legislative issues, and with health and long-term care providers. For more information call the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter Helpline at 800.272.3900, or visit alz.org/co.
Sara Spaulding, Alzheimer's Association of Colorado, +1 (303) 813-1669, [email protected]
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