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, Erica Kubena.
Crafting for a cause on The Longest Day
I used to believe that the hardest thing to do was open myself up to other people. The reality of it is that the hardest thing to do is talk about someone you love to other people, especially when that other person is going through one of the hardest fights of their life. My name is Erica Kubena, and while this story is my own, I’d love to share it with you. I have come to realize-there’s a comfort in knowing you are not alone in a seemingly endless journey.
In October 2010, my beautiful mother, Joanne Wieckert, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at 67. Although, my mom had exhibited some warnings, it never crossed my mind that this fatal disease would be the outcome. I remember I cried when I heard the news – more out of fear of the unknown than anything else. Surprisingly, the biggest comfort I experienced in that moment came from my dad when he said “growing old isn’t for sissies.” I was shocked, but in a sense that was his way of calming me down- telling me that it was time to toughen up. And after my own journey I agree. This disease calls for the toughest people to step up.
My dad took on the responsibilities as my mother’s caregiver. He took care of everything. Whether it was doctor appointments or healthcare issues-he was her support system. I felt we could accomplish anything on this journey together.
In July 2011, three months before my wedding, my dad earned his wings and I was left on this unknown journey without him. I had no idea what I was facing. I knew I needed help and support, but I was not sure who to turn to. After weeks of researching, I almost gave up hope. And that’s when I came across the Alzheimer’s Association.
I am truly grateful by the amount of support and information the Association offered during my time of need. And everything was just at the edge my fingertips! I knew I wanted to increase my involvement in the organization I just didn’t know how. That’s when I came across The Longest Day and Walk to Alzheimer’s. While I dream of one day being strong enough emotionally to participate in the Walk (as my Aunt Wilma started last year), I absolutely fell in love with the idea of raising funds for a cause so close to my heart while doing different activities that I enjoy. The Longest Day is a complete win!
Last year was my first year participating in The Longest Day. Some of my friends joined me and we formed The Purple Winged Warriors. We made paintings and sold mason jars decorated as baseball team jerseys. This year, we are planning on making purple “love” candles in mini mason jars and possibly adding other crafts as time allows.
Raising funds is so critical to the cause of ending this disease. I try to raise funds in honor of everyone who has earned their purple wings already and everyone who is still here, fighting every day. I continue to see on a daily basis what this disease does to families and to the individual – it needs to end. For future generations to not have to know what it’s like to be seen as a complete stranger by someone who raised you, for future generations to not be subjected to watching someone you love shut down physically, for future generations to remember who they are and what they’ve accomplished in their lives. For these reasons and many more, I continue to fight, I continue to raise awareness and funds and I continue to love my sweet mother through this devastating disease. I find comfort in many things that I read over the years, but I will end on the one that sticks out the most: “Love is not a memory – it is a feeling that resides in your heart and your soul.”
I encourage everyone to join my team and all others in raising awareness and raising funds for The Longest Day 2017, because your love is worth it!
Join The Longest Day
Team up with the Alzheimer’s Association, select an activity you love, and plan your event on or around The Longest Day. Sign up today!