The Longest Day- Raising Awareness
Did you know that today, June 21st is the Longest Day? The day with the most light, and the day where people from across the world will fight the darkness associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
In my state of Florida, there are over 580,000 Floridians aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s, and 13.6% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline. It is these stats that light a fire in me to raise awareness. After my mom passed away in December 2021, I decided to create a birthday fundraiser to not only raise awareness but also to keep myself occupied doing something good. The grief process has been difficult for me, and there were times where I was ready to give up on my fundraiser. My local Alzheimer’s Association chapter introduced me to Dan who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. He was a shining light for me because my life was dark without my mom, and we worked together to make this a successful fundraiser. Dan recruited his friends and quickly spread the word about my fundraiser in the cycling community. On February 18, 2022 the evening of my birthday fundraiser, collectively we raised over $1900! This fundraiser was special on so many fronts.
My friends came out to support me.
It was my first birthday without my mom, and I was surrounded by love.
Raised money and awareness for a special cause
Indoor cycling- common activity enjoyed
That evening I felt like a shining star surrounded by all the love, it was the brightest day of my year. This is why the Longest Day is a special day that is close to my heart.