Cynthia Alexander creates a sensational Longest Day Weekend
The Longest Day is a team event to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. Held annually on the summer solstice, the duration of this sunrise-to-sunset event symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers. In this article, we feature one of our Longest Day participants, Cynthia M. Alexander.
The Longest Day is a team event to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. Held annually on the summer solstice, the duration of this sunrise-to-sunset event symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers. Teams are encouraged to create their own experience as they fundraise and participate in an activity they love to honor someone facing the disease. In this article, we feature one of our Longest Day participants, Cynthia M. Alexander.
My name is Cynthia M. Alexander, I am 58 years old and from North Chicago, IL. I am very involved in my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; my church, First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church; and my employment with Vista Health System. I also enjoy reading, walking and going to plays.
How did you come to be involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and The Longest Day?
My mom, Evelyn Alexander, will be 80 years old in November. She does not show any signs of Alzheimer’s disease. However, she is very concerned about what would happen if she were to begin to show symptoms of the disease. We also know that African Americans are two times more likely to develop late-onset Alzheimer’s disease than whites and less likely to have a diagnosis of their condition, resulting in less time for treatment and planning. By working with the Alzheimer’s Association, I hope that we will be able to reduce the risk factors and reverse the growing trend of Alzheimer’s disease among African-Americans in particular, and all people in general.
In May 2016, The Alzheimer’s Association entered into nationwide partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) to help raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and increase education, care and support resources in the African-American community. I have been a member of AKA since 1979, and I am currently a member of the local chapter, Lambda Nu Omega, in Waukegan, IL. As a life member of the organization I understand the importance of implementing our national initiatives on the local level. I welcomed the opportunity to chair Lambda Nu Omega’s Longest Day activities.
What activities have you done for the The Longest Day?
Last year was the first year we participated in the Longest Day activities. We focused on bringing awareness about Alzheimer’s disease to the community and resources for caregivers. This year our focus is concentrated on fundraising. All those that participate in our Longest Day activities will be asked to make a donation, and all funds collected will be forwarded to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Lambda Nu Omega Chapter is very excited about our 2016 Longest Day activities. Actually, we are having a Longest Day Weekend.
Our Sensational Saturday kicks off the event at our annual picnic in collaboration with the Lake County Illinois Pan Hellenic Council. We have activities from noon until 6 p.m. The highlight of the event is our 1.908 mile walk that ends in a prayer for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. We are delighted this year to have a representative from the Alzheimer’s Association joining us for the day.
Next, is Sunset Sunday. We will have an on-line prayer call at sunset – 8:31 p.m. This is to acknowledge the suffering of those with Sundowner’s Syndrome. Sundowner’s Syndrome is the name given to an ailment that causes symptoms of confusion after “sundown.” We realize that not everyone with Alzheimer’s exhibit sundowner’s symptoms. However, we want to provide our community with resources so that caregivers have the tools they need.
The Longest Day is Monday, June 20th. Our Make a Memory Monday will be a blast! Our membership will wear purple and take pictures with friends, family and anyone who is willing to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association. We will post the pictures on social media. Also on Monday, we will be posting tips for caregivers on our Facebook page.
Why is participating in the Longest day important to you?
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the nation’s oldest African-American sorority, is a trusted source of information. Lambda Nu Omega Chapter, the local chapter in Waukegan, Lake County, IL has provided programs and services to the community for 39 years. AKA’s motto is “Service to all Mankind.” We believe in enhancing the lives of those in our community.
– See more at: http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/weekly/2016/june/june15/Spotlight.asp#sthash.pkHqDdkI.dpuf