The Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter invites local residents in the central and western North Carolina counties it serves to help fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s on The Longest Day® – Friday, June 21.

Leading up to and culminating on June 21 – the summer solstice and the day with the most light – participants will host an event or choose an activity – biking, hiking, playing bridge, swimming, knitting and more – to shine a light on the 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and the more than 16 million family members and friends providing care and support. In North Carolina alone, there are more than 170,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and 473,000 family members and friends caring for them.

This fundraising effort symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Participants can do what they love to honor a caregiver, someone living with Alzheimer’s, or someone lost to this devastating disease for The Longest Day, which is a “day of action” for the Alzheimer’s Association during Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month® in June. Last year the Western Carolina Chapter raised more than $99,000 through The Longest Day.

“We encourage local residents across central and western NC to join us in making The Longest Day season the biggest yet,” said Katherine L. Lambert, CEO of the Western Carolina Chapter. “This is a wonderful way to get empowered 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.”

The Longest Day participants will raise funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer’s Association care, support and research programs. To start or join a team, host an event, register individually, or to learn more about The Longest Day visit alz.org/thelongestday or by calling 800-272-3900.

Additional Facts and Figures: (http://www.alz.org/facts/)

• Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

• Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s.

• An estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease, including 170,000 North Carolina residents, are living with Alzheimer’s, a number estimated to grow to as many as 14 million by year 2050.

• More than 16 million family and friends, including 473,000 in North Carolina, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in the United States.

• In 2018, friends and family of those with Alzheimer’s in North Carolina provided an estimated 538 million hours of unpaid care, a contribution valued at $6.8 billion.

About The Longest Day:

The Longest Day is the day with the most light. Leading up to and culminating on Friday, June 21 – the summer solstice, people around the world, will come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice. Together, they use their creativity and passion to raise funds and awareness for the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. To start or join a team, host an event, register as individually, or to learn more about The Longest Day visit http://www.alz.org/thelongestday or https://www.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.

About the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter:

The Western Carolina Chapter provides patient and family services, information and referral, education, and advocacy in the 49 central and western North Carolina counties that serves over 110,000 people currently living with Alzheimer's disease and their 330,000 caregivers in these counties. We provide a variety of services including a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, educational programs, and MedicAlert®. We offer opportunities to get involved and to make a difference. For more information about Alzheimer's disease or the Alzheimer's Association Western Carolina Chapter, visit www.alz.org/northcarolina or call (800) 272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.