The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter will host a virtual The Longest Day kickoff event on February 23, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Inspired by the summer solstice – the day with the most light – the association says The Longest Day is a campaign where individuals and organizations shine their light on Alzheimer’s disease. Participants take what they enjoy doing and turn it into a way to raise funds and awareness for the Association, and common activities include parties and events, games and crafts, golf and pickleball tournaments, live streaming, hiking, biking, sewing, cooking, fitness challenges and more.
Dr. David Mandelbaum will share his experience of using his passion for pickleball to raise funds and awareness in honor of his parents, both of whom died with the disease. Pete Van Overwalle, newly-appointed volunteer chair of The Longest Day for the Greater Indiana Chapter, will share his story of losing his grandmother and being the primary caregiver for his aunt.
The announcement also said attendees will have the opportunity to hear from board certified neurologist Dr. Jared Brosch, MD, about the latest treatments and why awareness and early detection are critical to ensuring those treatments are as effective as possible. Executive director Natalie Sutton will share updates on dementia research happening in Indiana and how the Greater Indiana Chapter is leading the way in raising funds to advance this research, the news release said.
“There has never been a more exciting time in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia,” said Jennifer Buddenbaum, manager, The Longest Day Greater Indiana Chapter. “This event will be a great way for those affected to learn about the incredible progress we’ve made so far – and how they can help move us closer to our ultimate goal of ending this disease.”
About 110,000 Hoosiers are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and another 216,000 are serving as unpaid family caregivers.
Registration for the kickoff is free and available at bit.ly/INTLD2023 .
