June 16, 2021 – This Sunday, June 20, Southeast Florida will shine purple, as locations across the region will be lit up in the Alzheimer’s Association’s signature color to help raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.
Done in recognition of The Longest Day, an annual Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser, the events follow Gov. Ron DeSantis’ June 1 proclamation recognizing June as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in Florida. Participating locations will include the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, 301 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale and the cities of Coral Gables, West Palm Beach, Vero Beach and Pembroke Pines.
“Seeing the purple lights on City Hall and various buildings throughout our city this month is a powerful way to raise awareness of and show support for those battling the devastating neurological disorders of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank C. Ortis said. “We’re proudly shining our lights in hopes of promoting more education and conversation around this disease. And on June 20, the longest day of the year, we urge all of our residents to stand up to the darkness of Alzheimer’s by showing their support and spreading the word.”
The Longest Day encourages participants to combat the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice. Although the campaign centers around the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – fundraising efforts continue throughout the year to advance the critical care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association.
This year, given the COVID-19 pandemic, Longest Day participants can support the event virtually through at-home and socially-distant activities like 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.
In West Palm Beach, for instance, the Golf Fore a Cure team is raising funds with a Father’s Day charity golf tournament at Madison Green Country Club. The tournament will take place on June 20 with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. and there will be prizes for the first and second place teams and multiple closest to the pin contests. Registration is $55 per golfer, and those interested can contact David Schue at (561) 383-1080 for more information.
Haley Register, The Longest Day manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter, noted: “Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in both the United States and Florida. With more than 580,000 Floridians currently battling the disease, it is so heartwarming to see so many people stepping out in solidarity with those affected.”
To learn more about The Longest Day or register a team, visit alz.org/thelongestday.
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.
