Alzheimer's Association Launches The Longest Day™ To Raise Awareness And Funds In The Fight Against Alzheimer's

Participants challenge themselves in sunrise-to-sunset relay-style physical activity in support of the 34 million people worldwide who are living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers

CHICAGO, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On June 20, 2012, participants across the Northern Hemisphere will take a stand with Alzheimer's Association The Longest Day™ to show those facing Alzheimer's disease that they are not alone. Alzheimer's disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation's sixth leading cause of death.  It is the only one in the top 10 without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. In continued efforts for a world without Alzheimer's, the Association is encouraging participation in The Longest Day to honor and remember those who have been touched by this disease.      

The Longest Day is a sunrise-to-sunset relay event to raise funds to fuel the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer's Association. Held on the longest day of the year, this event challenges participants to push their physical limits and complete 16 hours of consecutive endurance activities such as biking, running or walking. It is one day to honor the passion, dedication and strength displayed everyday by people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

"For the millions of people worldwide who bravely face Alzheimer's disease every single day, The Longest Day is an opportunity for all of us to stand up and shout 'you are not alone,'" said Angela Geiger, chief strategy officer, Alzheimer's Association. "The Alzheimer's Association rallies with participants of The Longest Day to show the world that we're in it until Alzheimer's is finished!"

Hundreds of people have joined forces to create small teams across America and Europe to participate in relay-style challenges in the first year of The Longest Day:

• In New Hampshire, family and friends have joined Team Dottie to challenge themselves, in memory of Dorothy "Dottie" Quinn, by climbing Mt. Washington – the highest peak in the Northeastern United States.
• Leading the fight in North Carolina, Alzheimer's Association Ambassador and 2012 recipient of the Alzheimer's Association Advocate Award, Garrett Davis best known as playwright and actor, will lead the Forget Me Not Project Team. Davis will be joined by his wife, Carol "Monty" Montague-Davis, leading their team on a bike and walk from Raleigh to Durham in continued efforts to bring awareness to Alzheimer's disease as seen in his award-winning play, "Forget Me Not," created as a tribute to his grandmother who died of Alzheimer's, "I am looking forward to doing all I can to continue to raise awareness of this disease and to let caregivers know that they are not alone in their daily struggle," said Garrett Davis.  "If they can be caregivers 365 days a year, surely I can honor them on this day."

To support a team or learn more about The Longest Day, visit www.alz.org/thelongestday or www.facebook.com/fightalz. For more information about Alzheimer's disease, visit the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.   

About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the world's 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 www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association