The members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated were proud to join forces with the Alzheimer’s Association to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease risk factors, diagnosis, care, and advocacy in the Pee Dee community. The local Upsilon Sigma Omega Chapter joined the Epsilon Chi Omega Chapter of Florence, SC, and Omicron Omicron Omega Chapter of Marion, SC, for the Alzheimer’s Association The Longest Day as a Community Impact Day.  The Longest Day event took place on June 25 at Magnolia Mall from 10am-8pm.   

The sorority raised awareness and made a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s by walking the mall and collecting donations for Alzheimer’s research. From sunrise to sunset, AKA chapters nationwide along with members of their local communities participated in various activities, such as walking, line dancing, arts & crafts, etc.  The sororities raised roughly $788 in donations that day and through their online Alzheimer’s Association team pages.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that destroys a person’s memory and proves to be detrimental to other mental functions. Currently, there are more than 44 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease.  Just in the United States alone, more than 5 million are living with the disease, and more than 15 million are acting as caregivers to those with the disease.

Unsettling is the report that there is an uprising increase of reported diagnosis among South Carolinians.  At least 11 percent of the senior citizens living in South Carolina have been diagnosed and living with the disease.  It is one of the fastest growing health challenges among African Americans.

For many members of the sorority, they too have had first-hand experiences in being caregivers of family members and friends living with Alzheimer’s.  

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is dedicated to supporting programs and addressing health issues that impact countless lives.  In conjunction with The Alzheimer’s Association they are working to advance care and research across the world.  Donations to the association will make a difference in the lives of the millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s today and those who will face the disease tomorrow.

Even though The Longest Day 2016 has past, the struggle for those with Alzheimer’s and their families continues day after day.  Each chapter’s fundraising webpage will remain active through August 31 for anyone who would like to make a financial contribution to support the Alzheimer’s Association mission and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s involvement.  Donations can be made online at www.alz.org.  Every dollar helps to strengthen our efforts while moving us closer to our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s disease.