Dear John,

As a nursing instructor, my grandmother spent her life caring for people. Even after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Grandma had a desire to nurture, often comforting others in her memory care facility.

Grandma passed away years ago, but she remains my greatest inspiration. To honor her, I decided to use my favorite activity, running, as a way to participate in The Longest Day^® — a fundraising event for the Alzheimer’s Association^® on June 20, the summer solstice.

I created a Facebook group called “Miles for Memories” and invited friends and family to join my year-round running challenges, asking participants to run up to 200 miles by a set date. In exchange for a $25 donation, they receive a T-shirt and motivation (from me!) to help meet their goals.

Since in-person fitness options are limited right now, I also post workouts online that are easy to do at home and ask for a donation to my fundraiser. In total, I’ve raised nearly $10,000 for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

While The Longest Day may look a little different this year due to physical distancing, the Association has plenty of fun ideas to raise funds at home or online. Please join me again in the fight against Alzhiemer’s — start your fundraiser today at alz.org/thelongestday.

Sincerely,

Janelle L.
Solstice Champion
The Longest Day