West River Eagle

Mitchell residents raise awareness and funds to fight alzheimer’s on the longest day


Local Residents Join the Alzheimer’s Association® to Honor those Living with Alzheimer’s and Their Caregivers

[MITCHELL, SOUTH DAKOTA, June 8, 2018] – On June 21, 2018, people around the world, including those in Mitchell, will participate in The Longest Day®, a day about hope and dedicated to all those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Whether it’s choosing a favorite activity, hosting an event or joining a team, participants will ignite a global conversation about Alzheimer’s disease, the brain and other dementias as part of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month® in June.

Held annually on the summer solstice, The Longest Day symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Participants will do what they love – biking, hiking, playing bridge, swimming, knitting and more– to honor a caregiver, someone living with Alzheimer’s, or someone lost to this devastating disease. Together, participants will raise funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer’s Association® care, support and research programs.

A community-wide event called Trek Around the Track to End Alzheimer’s will be held at the DWU/Avera Sports and  Wellness Complex on Thursday, June 21 from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Participants are encouraged to stop by the track and walk for someone impacted by Alzheimer’s or another dementia. They can write their loved one’s name on a Memory Wall, and even square off against a member of the DWU men’s and women’s basketball team in a game of HORSE or a free-throw competition. The event is aimed at raising awareness about Alzheimer’s, and raising funds to end this disease.

Mitchell resident, Kyle Herges, has started a team to honor his mother, Peg, who is living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.  Diagnosed in her late 50’s, Peg is now in a long-term care facility.  As a result of Peg’s diagnosis, Kyle’s family has been inspired to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. “There is no time to waste. I don’t want my children to live in a world where there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. It may be too late for my mom, but it’s not too late for my kids.”

Leslie Morrow, State Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association South Dakota Chapter says, “That’s what The Longest Day is all about – bringing together people who’ve been personally impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and raising critical funds that will one day end this disease. It also sends a message to other families impacted by Alzheimer’s, and reminds them that they are not alone.”

To start or join a team, host an event, register as individually, or to learn more about The Longest Day visit alz.org/thelongestday or facebook.com/fightalz.

Key facts about Alzheimer’s include:

Worldwide, there are an estimated 47 million people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and it is the nation’s sixth leading cause of death.

More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including 17,000 in South Dakota, and this national number is estimated to grow to as many as 16 million by year 2050.

Additionally, there are more than 15 million Alzheimer’s caregivers, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report.

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. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

CONTACTS:

Leslie Morrow, Alzheimer’s Association, LMorrow@alz.org, (605) 339-4543 x8226

Al Bahe, Edgewood, al.bahe@edgewoodvista.com, 605-996-2730

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