My father had Alzheimer’s disease, as did his mother (my paternal grandmother). My dad, Hans Harder, was the first man I ever loved. He was an athlete, WSU Alumni and a farmer who loved sports and raising cattle. He was the most generous person I knew. As a child, I remember him giving money to strangers on the street when we went to town. Continue reading For the first man I ever loved: Why I Walk
On June 20, 2020, 71-year-old Paul Hirsh will be paddling around Vashon Island in a 19ft kayak for The Longest Day. Paul is paddling in honor of his mother, who had Alzheimer’s, and his father, who was her primary caregiver. Paul lives in Gig Harbor, WA on Wollochet Bay. Paul and his wife Charlotte have three daughters and 10 grandkids. Paul grew up an athlete. … Continue reading Paddling the Sound: The Longest Day
By Janet Tarbutton My name is Janet Tarbutton. I live in Liberty Lake, WA with my husband, Alan. We were high school sweethearts in Orange, CA. We went to rival town high schools and met at church. We are celebrating 42 years of marriage in July 2020. We love to travel, play golf and be outdoors as much as possible. We have so many wonderful … Continue reading A role reversal in our marriage: Becoming a caregiver
By Sherry Clarke My name is Sherry Clarke and I’m from Lake Tapps, Washington (about an hour south of Seattle). I’m a born-and-raised Washingtonian and have lived in the Lake Tapps area for about 13 years with my husband and two kids, ages 6 and 4. I’m a stay-at-home mom and a freelance graphic designer. This year for The Longest Day, I am running for … Continue reading Running for Wayne: The Longest Day
We are all feeling the effects of being physically distanced from our family, friends, colleagues and teammates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Longest Day is a wonderful opportunity to come together virtually, share in a joyful activity and make a difference in the lives of people impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer … Continue reading 25 Ways to Fundraise from Home for The Longest Day
By: Kay Lehmann My name is Kay Lehmann. I am a native Eastern Washingtonian, empowered single person and VIG (Very Important Grandma). I grew up on the banks of the Snake River in northern Walla Walla County. Go to the ends of the earth and the farm I grew up on is beyond that! I moved into the City of Walla Walla in the ‘90s … Continue reading Kay Lehmann: Tri-Cities volunteer
The 2020 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report was released March 11 and contains the most up-to-date data on Alzheimer’s prevalence and mortality, caregiving and the costs of health care for people living with the disease. Below are key takeaways from the report, including data for Washington State and Idaho. This year’s special report, “On the Front Lines: Primary Care Physicians and Alzheimer’s Care in … Continue reading 2020 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures
Janet Callahan lives in Edmonds, Wash. with her husband and son, “The Nicks,” (also known as Nick and son Nicholas) and their two chubby cats. In January 2020, Janet joined the Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter as The Longest Day Coordinator. Janet came to the Alzheimer’s Association through “total serendipity.” While attending a Journey Dementia Family Caregiver Conference in November with her father, she happened … Continue reading Janet Callahan: The Longest Day Coordinator
By Marilyn Walls, M.S. Marilyn has a Masters of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University, where she also taught as an adjunct professor. She has written articles for local publications, a book on family and Alzheimer’s from a nutritionist’s perspective, and has taught hundreds of classes throughout the U.S. on nutrition, supplements, essential oils, sustainable eating and natural skin care. My mother, born on a … Continue reading Tipping the scales: nutrition for brain health
Laurie Lee Lewis is a self-described “whirlwind” of a woman. Besides being a farmer, songwriter, musician, author and philanthropist, she has also been the primary caregiver for both of her parents the past four years. This year, Laurie is celebrating her birthday and honoring her father with a celebration on her farm for The Longest Day on June 21. Her parents, Jack and Darlene Little, … Continue reading Farmer, Musician, Caregiver: The Longest Day
