The Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter <http://www.alz.org/northcarolina> invites local
residents in the central and western North Carolina counties it serves to
help fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s on The Longest Day(r) – Friday, June
21.
Leading up to and culminating on June 21 – the summer solstice and the day
with the most light – participants will host an event or choose an activity
– biking, hiking, playing bridge, swimming, knitting and more – to shine a
light on the 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and the
more than 16 million family members and friends providing care and support.
In North Carolina alone, there are more than 170,000 people living with
Alzheimer’s and 473,000 family members and friends caring for them.
This fundraising effort symbolizes the challenging journey of those living
with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Participants can do what they
love to honor a caregiver, someone living with Alzheimer’s, or someone lost
to this devastating disease for The Longest Day, which is a “day of action”
for the Alzheimer’s Association during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness
Month(r) in June. Last year the Western Carolina Chapter raised more than
$99,000 through The Longest Day.
“We encourage local residents across central and western NC to join us in
making The Longest Day season the biggest yet,” said Katherine L. Lambert,
CEO of the Western Carolina Chapter. “This is a wonderful way to get
empowered to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other
dementias. Together, the strength of our light will outshine the darkness of
Alzheimer’s.”
The Longest Day participants will raise funds and awareness to advance
Alzheimer’s Association care, support and research programs. To start or
join a team, host an event, register individually, or to learn more about
The Longest Day visit alz.org/thelongestday
<http://www.alz.org/thelongestday> or by <http://www.facebook.com/fightalz>
calling 800-272-3900.
Additional Facts and Figures: (http://www.alz.org/facts/)
* Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the
United States.
* Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s.
* An estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease,
including 170,000 North Carolina residents, are living with Alzheimer’s, a
number estimated to grow to as many as 14 million by year 2050.
* More than 16 million family and friends, including 473,000 in North
Carolina, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias
in the United States.
* In 2018, friends and family of those with Alzheimer’s in North
Carolina provided an estimated 538 million hours of unpaid care, a
contribution valued at $6.8 billion.
About The Longest Day:
The Longest Day is the day with the most light. Leading up to and
culminating on Friday, June 21 – the summer solstice, people around the
world, will come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an
activity of their choice. Together, they use their creativity and passion to
raise funds and awareness for the care, support, and research efforts of the
Alzheimer’s Association. To start or join a team, host an event, register as
individually, or to learn more about The Longest Day visit
http://www.alz.org/thelongestday or https://www.facebook.com/fightalz .
About the Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in
Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our 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. Our vision is a world
without Alzheimer’s.
About the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter:
The Western Carolina Chapter provides patient and family services,
information and referral, education, and advocacy in the 49 central and
western North Carolina counties that serves over 110,000 people currently
living with Alzheimer’s disease and their 330,000 caregivers in these
counties. We provide a variety of services including a 24/7 Helpline,
support groups, educational programs, and MedicAlert(r). We offer
opportunities to get involved and to make a difference. For more information
about Alzheimer’s disease or the Alzheimer’s Association Western Carolina
Chapter, visit www.alz.org/northcarolina <http://www.alz.org/northcarolina>
or call (800) 272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on
Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/WesternNCALZ/> , Twitter
<https://twitter.com/AlzAssocWNC> and Instagram
<https://www.instagram.com/alzwnc/> .
