It is the catch phrase of so many Alzheimer’s Association ads and articles:
“The first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease is out there.”
They are indeed. And we hope soon, because so many of us have lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease. Perhaps you are caring for a parent who has been recently diagnosed or is in the later stages of the disease. Regardless of whether or not Alzheimer’s has touched our lives, we all long for the day when a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s no longer turns a family’s world upside down.
To get to that day, however, much more awareness and involvement in the fight to end Alzheimer’s is needed. It is no coincidence that the Alzheimer’s Association chose June 21st, the longest day of the year, to launch activities, fundraisers and other opportunities for Americans to join in the fight to end the disease that impacts over 6 million Americans.
Public support is key to keeping the momentum going. Here are a few ways money from fundraisers and individual donations are used at the Alzheimer’s Association:
- Ongoing investment in 1,000 active best-of-field research projects all over the world.
- In person and virtual support groups, free to participants.
- A free nationwide 24/7 hotline providing information, support and resources.
- Working with legislators to pass landmark legislation, such as the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, which created a national plan to fight Alzheimer’s disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association has lots of ways to get involved, big and small. You can learn more about how you can help and organize others to help here.
Finally, we invite you to contact any of our Anthem Memory Care communities and learn more about sponsored walks and fundraisers how you can get involved locally.
The Alzheimer’s Association Longest Day website proclaims, “The day with the most light is the day we fight.” That fight is everybody’s business. So let’s all do our part. Together we can help find that first survivor!
(Our header image shows participants in the Willowbrook Place Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Littleton, Colorado!)