On June 16, 2018, seven teams and even more sponsors from the Washington Court House community will participate in The Longest Day®, a day dedicated to all those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Whether it’s choosing a favorite activity, hosting an event or joining a team, participants will ignite a global conversation about Alzheimer’s disease, the brain and other dementias as part of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month® in June.
Held annually on the summer solstice, The Longest Day symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Participants will do what they love – biking, hiking, playing bridge, swimming, knitting and more– to honor a caregiver, someone living with Alzheimer’s, or someone lost to this devastating disease. Together, participants will raise funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer’s Association® care, support and research programs.
The Longest Day is an event that Carriage Court Assisted Living, a local senior lifestyle community, has been participating in since 2014. Fayette County Chapter Representative and Director of Sales for Carriage Court Beth McCane said, “Each year at Carriage Court, our activities on The Longest Day grew and in turn, so did our donation. This gave us the confidence to go out into the community and expand this event. We have developed a committee, comprised of various community representatives, to plan the Fayette County Longest Day event. It is our goal to make this happen annually, in an effort to not only raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, but to also promote local merchants.”
The event will be held June 16 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. All activities will take place in downtown Washington Court House and include a scavenger hunt through the downtown, a car show with the Dragin’ Angels, a performance by The Bluegrass Ramblers, 50/50 raffle, door prizes and a wide variety of kids events, including a bubble machine, cotton candy, face painting, balloons, various games and contests. Kona Ice will be there selling Hawaiian-style Shaved Ice and The Highland House will have a wide variety of sandwiches, drinks and other food items for sale.
The committee is currently comprised of Beth McCane-Carriage Court Assisted Living, Committee Chair, Valerie Campbell and Abby Hendricks-Carriage Court Assisted Living, Angela Tackett- Heartland Hospice, Candis Conley-Court House Manor/St. Catherine’s Manor, Courtney Lubbers and Tammy Bobbitt-Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County, Jeri Roberts-Caretenders, Whitney Gentry-Fayette County Memorial Hospital, Jolinda VanDyke- Fayette County Travel and Tourism, Ashley Poole- Signature Healthcare, Cheryl Stockwell-Fayette County Commission on Aging and Mekia Rhoads-Fayette County Community Action Commission.
At this time sponsors are still being accepted, as are teams and downtown merchants interested in being a stop on the scavenger hunt. If you are interested, please contact Beth McCane, 740-333-3434.
Key facts about Alzheimer’s include:
– Worldwide, there are an estimated 47 million people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and it is the nation’s sixth leading cause of death.
– More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and this national number is estimated to grow to as many as 16 million by year 2050.
– Additionally, there are more than 15 million Alzheimer’s caregivers, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report.
To start or join a team, host an event, register individually, or to learn more about The Longest Day, visit alz.org/thelongestday or 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. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.
