Hudson Valley Residents to Join in Longest Day 2016

From the Alzheimer's Association Hudson Valley Chapter:

Hudson Valley residents will join others across the country and the world to honor those facing Alzheimer's disease by participating in The Longest Day on Monday, June 20.

Held annually on the summer solstice, literally the longest day of the year, this sunrise-to-sunset event recognizes the challenging journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers. Whether it’s cycling, playing bridge, painting, exercising or playing a team sport, participants raise funds and awareness to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Having a team participating in The Longest Day doesn’t mean the team members all have to be in the same place doing the same thing. If you have friends and family scattered across the country, they can take part in an “Anywhere Team.”

For example, Longest Day and Special Events Manager Lauren Voorhees’ team, “Cooking for a Cause,” will include members involved in various activities from several remote locations. Voorhees will spend the day at home cooking and baking with family and friends, preparing for a community barbecue where attendees can make suggested donations for admission. She plans to have a ceremony at dusk, releasing purple and white balloons outside in honor and memory of those afflicted with Alzheimer's as well as their caregivers.

"The Longest Day is an amazing opportunity for me to spend the day with my family and friends for such an important cause,” Voorhees said. “I'm extremely eager to raise money and awareness in honor of those families, caregivers and individuals afflicted by such a devastating disease."

For those whose schedules make it impossible to hold a fundraiser on a Monday, it is also possible to host a Longest Day event on another day. Whenever an event is held, the principle of participants doing something they love to honor those living with Alzheimer’s remains the same.

Individuals interested in starting or joining a team may do so through the Longest Day web page or contacting 1-800-272-3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. 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.