How much do you know about the Longest Day? – Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper

By Jennie Guido

A number of weeks in the past, I met with Adina Welker, coordinator of The Longest Day for Mississippi’s chapter for the Alzheimer’s Affiliation. She wanted some pointers for getting the affiliation concerned within the Natchez space, and I noticed a possibility to share The Longest Day with all of you.

“The Longest Day (TLD) is the day with probably the most gentle — the summer season solstice. On June 21, 1000’s of members from the world over come collectively to struggle the darkness of Alzheimer’s by means of an exercise of their alternative. Collectively, they use their creativity and keenness to boost funds and consciousness for the care, assist and analysis efforts of the Alzheimer’s Affiliation,” Welker shared.

Anybody who’s inquisitive about collaborating in a TLD exercise already scheduled can merely go to the affiliation’s web site to seek out one. Nevertheless, anybody who has been impacted by Alzheimer’s is invited to succeed in out to the affiliation and Welker to create an occasion.

Welker shared statistics with me displaying that Mississippi is the second highest within the nation for these struggling with Alzheimer’s. Nationwide, one in three seniors undergo from Alzheimer’s or one other dementia, which was solely elevated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 6 million Individuals dwelling with Alzheimer’s, over 11 million Individuals present unpaid look after these combating the illness.

With so many households affected within the space, creating an occasion to boost consciousness and funds by means of The Longest Day solely helps the affiliation educate others in regards to the illness and supply assist to these in want.

“Every participant is requested to boost funds by means of his or her exercise for the Alzheimer’s Affiliation,” Welker added. “Any exercise generally is a fundraiser for The Longest Day, and lots of may be hosted just about or in-person. Should you’re an artist or crafter, lead a category for family and friends. Then host an artwork sale and donate the proceeds as their fundraiser. Arrange a gaggle marathon. Ask 26 family and friends members to run a mile and lift $100 every. Livestream a cooking demonstration and ask for donations to attend.

“We assist with straightforward concepts that convey mates, household, and colleagues collectively for an excellent trigger. From basketball to baking and card video games to crafts or karaoke, any exercise generally is a fundraiser. Affiliation workers and volunteers shall be there each step of the best way with instruments, ideas, and training.”

For extra details about actions in Mississippi, go to alz.org/thelongestday or e mail Adina Welker at awelker@alz.org.