For the third year in a row, The Kenwood by Senior Star participated in the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day, a sunrise-to-sunset team event held on the summer solstice (the longest day of the year). The purpose of the event is to recognize those struggling with Alzheimer’s and to raise awareness about the disease. It’s also a reminder of the strength and endurance required by those who give care to those with Alzheimer’s disease – which often starts before the sun rises and ends well after it sets. It’s a big day.
And so, on June 21, we guzzled coffee and strapped on our sneakers. Beginning at dawn, the staff began walking around the campus with high spirits. Residents, their families, friends and supporters joined The Kenwood staff throughout the day, taking turns passing a purple baton and enjoying the camaraderie associated with being a part of such a large and important movement.
The Kenwood released 500 balloons on The Longest Day.
In an effort to spread awareness of the disease beyond our immediate community, family, friends, residents and staff released 500 purple balloons, all with a special message of hope and encouragement attached. Some balloons were even dedicated to specific residents of The Kenwood and/or their families. So far, balloons have turned up in New Richmond, Ohio, and Paris, West Liberty and Owensville, Kentucky.
As the day wound down, the spirits of everyone involved remained high. After all: It was a long day for everyone who participated, but for people living with Alzheimer’s and those taking care of loved ones enduring the disease, every day is a long day.