ST. GEORGE – On Friday, the Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter invites everyone to honor those living with Alzheimer’s disease and take one day to make a difference.
The Longest Day is an event scheduled to take place on the longest day of the year—the summer solstice—that offers 16 hours of daylight from sunrise to sunset. The day was chosen by the association to recognize the caregivers who spend each day from sun up to sun down providing care for someone who is living with Alzheimer’s.
For 16 hours, self-organized teams will commit to raising awareness and funds for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter.
“Why donate to a (national) fund when you can donate to a local office where 100 percent of the funds stay in Southern Utah?” said Jessica Merrill, board member of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Society.
Participants can swim, run, ride or walk; organize a tennis, soccer, basketball or volleyball tournament. Art aficionados can plan a day of painting and pottery. Card sharks can host a rummy or bridge game. Last year, a team rocked in rockers on the porch of a restaurant for 16 hours.
Each team will complete an activity of their choosing and are invited to register online.
“The Longest Day offers us an opportunity to give up one day to raise money, awareness and an understanding of this disease,” said Jack Jenks, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter. “Teams will show people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias who are impacted by the disease that we’re all united in the cause.”
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research in the nation. Its 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.
Event details and contact information
Date: June 21
Time: All day
Location: Southern Utah
Admission: Free
Contact: Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter, Washington County Office – 435-628-8656
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @sarahisaacson1
Copyright St. George News, StGeorgeUtah.com Inc., 2013, all rights reserved.
