Leading up to and culminating on June 20, 2024 – the summer solstice and the day with the most light – Coastal Plains residents will join supporters across North Carolina and the world to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day® to shine a light on Alzheimer’s disease through an activity of their choice. Together, they will use their creativity and passion to raise critical funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer’s Association® care, support and research programs. The event coincides with Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month® in June.
The Longest Day participants fundraise through sports tournaments, card games, golf, hiking, biking, bake sales and more on a day that works for them. Many participants fundraise year-round to make an even greater impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Fundraising activities can take place at home, workplaces, community settings, or anywhere that accommodates a participant’s chosen activity.
Across North Carolina there will be more than 200 fundraisers being planned. The creativity of the local participants includes such events as a husband’s art exhibit in honor of his wife who was living with Alzheimer’s. The statewide goal for The Longest Day is $500,000 by the end of the season on August 31, 2024.
“We encourage local residents across eastern North Carolina to join us in making The Longest Day season the biggest yet in 2024,” said Katherine L. Lambert, Alzheimer’s Association Regional Leader for NC, SC & GA. “All it takes is a little creativity and a desire 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.”
To host a fundraiser or event or to learn more about The Longest Day visit alz.org/thelongestday or by calling 800-272-3900. There is no deadline to register, but to receive a The Longest Day shirt by June 20, participants must register by June 5.
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Additional Facts and Figures: (alz.org/facts)
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An estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, including more than 210,000 in North Carolina.
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Nationally, more than 11 million caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. In North Carolina, 373,000 caregivers provide a total of 723 million hours of unpaid care, valued at a total of $10.9 billion.
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About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s.
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Nearly two-thirds of those with Alzheimer’s are women.
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Older non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately more likely than older whites to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
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Alzheimer’s disease was the fifth-leading cause of death among individuals age 65 and older in 2021 (the most recent year for mortality data).
About the Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®.
About the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter:
The Eastern North Carolina Chapter provides patient and family services, information and referral, education, and advocacy in 51 eastern North Carolina counties. It offers opportunities to get involved and to make a difference, in addition to a variety of services including: a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, educational programs and care consultations. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, or the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter, visit alz.org/nc or call 800-272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.