Alzheimer's Association launches 'The Longest Day' to raise awareness

On June 20, 2012, participants across the Northern Hemisphere and a handful of individuals right here in eastern Iowa will take a stand to show those facing Alzheimer's disease that they are not alone. Alzheimer's Association The Longest Day™ is a sunrise-to-sunset relay to raise funds to fuel the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.

Held on the longest day of the year, participants will be challenged to push their physical limits and complete 16 hours of consecutive endurance activities such as biking, running or walking. It's one day to honor the passion, dedication and strength displayed by people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers every day.

Members of the Elmcrest Country Club tennis community in Cedar Rapids will be moving players in and out throughout the day to facilitate 16 hours of consecutive play on a single court. Gary Wicklund of Coralville will bike ride with other members of his team who are participating from various parts of the country.

Alzheimer's disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation's sixth leading cause of death. As many as 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's and this number is estimated to grow to as many as 16 million by year 2050. In Iowa alone, there are an estimated 69,000 people living with Alzheimer's.

To support or start a team for The Longest Day, visit

www.alz.org/thelongestday or

www.facebook.com/fightalz. For more information about Alzheimer's disease, visit the Alzheimer's Association at

www.alz.org/eci or call 800.272.3900.