The South Dakota Alzheimer’s Association hosted an event called The Longest Day to raise awareness for the disease and accept donations to help fund research.
The Longest Day is a nationwide event held each year around the summer solstice.
In Sioux Falls, people gathered around Lake Lorraine in 90-degree heat to listen to live music, play yard games and honor their loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
“We want everyone to know that when they are facing a dementia diagnosis or an Alzheimer's diagnosis, whether it's a loved one, a friend or themselves, that they are not alone,” Carla Thielbar, the association’s development director, said. “We're here to walk through that journey with them.”
Families spent time decorating paper luminaries in honor of their loved ones, eating from food trucks, playing games like beanbag toss and sitting by the lake. There was also a memory wall for people to share the names of the people they have lost to Alzheimer’s.
“It's so peaceful and quiet. And it just lets you just meditate and enjoy the night,” one attendee, Lonnette Kelley, said.
The event is a way for people affected by Alzheimer’s to come together as a community, according to Lake Lorraine Community Director Amy Smolik.
“I think for a lot of people, whether you're a caregiver or whether you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, there is the opportunity to feel lonely or not sure of what to do,” she said. “And that's exactly what the Alzheimer's Association can do, is help build community amongst the caregivers and the family members of those who've been affected by dementia and Alzheimer's. This is really just an opportunity to think positively and have memories.”
The night ended with a sunset ceremony. Members of the association shared the luminaries they made in honor of family, provided information about the organization and invited people to walk around the lake.
“I'm here tonight not just as an employee of the association, but also as someone who's been personally touched by this disease,” Theilbar said during this time. “I lost my mom to younger onset Alzheimer's in 2019. She was diagnosed when she was just 50 years old. Now I stand with all of you as we remember those we've lost, those living with the disease and supporting those who are caregivers.”
Resources for those affected by Alzheimer’s are available on the Alzheimer’s Association website and alzheimers.gov.
