- Jun 24, 2021
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More than six million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Sadly, the disease kills more people than breast and prostate cancers combined, and the number of deaths increased 16% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s likely that many FPL Home customers and their families have dealt with this most common form of dementia in some way. More than 580,000 people in the state of Florida have been diagnosed and unfortunately, the number of people diagnosed in the Sunshine State will increase to 720,000 by 2025, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. More women than men contract the disease and primary caregivers of those who suffer are also women. 1 Most of us know someone whose been diagnosed or a caregiver.
The Longest Day Delivers Awareness
Annually, the Alzheimer’s Association sparks attention to Alzheimer’s disease by raising awareness on the first day of summer, the longest day of the year. The summer solstice sheds the most light across the earth and marks the organizations’ effort to increase awareness, celebrate families affected by the mind-altering disease and to raise money to benefit millions of people around the world who’ve been diagnosed. This year, the summer solstice lands on June 20, 2021, and encouraged by the non-profit organization, people in the United States and across the globe will wear the color purple and help to create awareness during The Longest Day campaign.
One of the great aspects of The Longest Day is how easy it is to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. You can participate in a fundraising event individually or as a team. You simply create a fundraiser that appeals to you. Ask for donations to complete the activity and then do it. The fundraisers are as varied as the people who plan them. Some people walk, run, play games with their kids or work on a hobby, etc. The skies the limit, though the Alzheimer’s Association has a list of categories from which to choose that will prompt ideas. If you’re not up to the challenge of planning and completing a Longest Day activity, you could sponsor someone else. The Alzheimer’s Association has you covered there, too, when you visit www.Alz.org. You can participate at home, online or at an in-person event.
During this year’s summer solstice, FPL Home and its affiliates sends best wishes to our customers and friends who are dealing with the daily struggles associated with Alzheimer’s disease. We wish you well, especially in view and hope of a cure.
