Connecticut

Alzheimer's Association Kicks Off ‘The Longest Day' Campaign at Dunkin' Donuts Park

Tuesday was a gorgeous day at the Hartford Yard Goats ball park, not for baseball, but instead for people raising money and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease.

“This is such a sad disease, but we can do things that are fun and great and still help this cause. So literally you can do anything you want to do to raise money for Alzheimer’s,” said Tori Vigorito, a walk manager with the Alzheimer's Association.

On Tuesday, the Connecticut Alzheimer’s Association kicked off “The Longest Day” campaign. They are inspiring people to pick an activity that they are passionate about and then from sunrise to sunset on June 21, people can do that activity and raise money.

“Trying to inspire people to recognize and do what they love as a fundraiser,” said Tina Hogan, the Development Manager with the Alzheimer's Association. “It is as easy as spinning a wheel to get an idea what you want to do for a fundraiser, it is anything you are passionate about.”

Vigorito said she’s passionate about the mission to raise awareness and money for Alzheimer’s after losing both of her grandmothers to the disease.

“I lost her, before I actually lost her. That was really hard to deal with,” said Vigorito.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, someone is diagnosed with the disease every 65 seconds. There are 78,000 people suffering from Alzheimer’s right here in Connecticut and the disease is impacting the lives of around 178,000 caregivers.

“The great hope out of all of this is that eventually we find a cure,” said Hogan.

June 21 is the Summer solstice and along with "The Longest Day" campaign, it will also be Alzheimer’s awareness night at the Hartford Yard Goats game.

If you want to get involved with The Longest Day, you can make a fundraising page here. There's also a helpline available 24/7 at 800-272-3900.

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