Alzheimer’s Association Shines Light on Longest Day With Dance

Portland, OR.  On June 20th, 2021, it’s the summer solstice and the day with the most light. Many Portland metro residents will join advocates across the world to participate in The Longest Day® to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice. This year, Rachel Martin, owner of Arthur Murray Dance Studio locations in Salem and Wilsonville, is hosting a dancing fundraiser for The Longest Day. When a friend at an Arthur Murray studio in California started hosting fundraisers for The Longest Day five years ago and encouraged other studios to follow suit, Rachel jumped on the opportunity. Each year around the summer solstice, Rachel offers heavily discounted dance lessons with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association. Together, they will use their creativity and passion to raise critical funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer’s Association® care, support, and research programs. The event coincides with Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month® in June. Look for other volunteers out seeking donations.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, Longest Day participants can support the event “virtually” through “at-home” and “social-distance” activities – biking, hiking, playing bridge, knitting, and more – to shine a light on the more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and the more than 11 million family members and friends providing care and support.

“We are thrilled to have so many supportive local teams participating in The Longest Day,” said Stephanie Foster, The Longest Day event manager, Alzheimer’s Association Oregon & Southwest Washington Chapter. “Together, the strength of our light will outshine the darkness of Alzheimer’s.”

Key facts about Alzheimer’s include:
● Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
● More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and more than 11 million family and friends are providing care and support.
● In Oregon alone, there are more than 69,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and more than 155,000 family members and friends caring for them.

Visit alz.org/thelongestday for more information and to register.

About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. For more information, visit alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.