June marks Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a critical time when communities across the United States come together to spotlight the challenges faced by those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. This year, on Friday, June 20, 2025, coinciding with the summer solstice—the longest day of the year—various events nationwide are uniting people in the fight against this devastating condition.
In Camas, Oregon, Jill Watson is hosting her 10th annual fundraiser, a heartfelt initiative inspired by her personal journey with her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Watson’s event aims to rally the local community and raise much-needed funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. The symbolism of the summer solstice resonates deeply with those affected by Alzheimer’s; just as the solstice offers the most daylight, caregivers and patients often face days that feel endlessly long and challenging. The Alzheimer’s Association and many other groups have embraced this metaphor to highlight the daily struggles and resilience required in the battle against the disease.
Watson shared her motivation, explaining that her mother’s diagnosis was a turning point that compelled her to act. Through her fundraiser, she hopes not only to raise awareness but also to foster a sense of solidarity and hope. The event has grown over the past decade, becoming a beacon of community spirit and determination against Alzheimer’s.
Meanwhile, on the East Coast, Eastern North Carolina residents are also marking the occasion with the “Longest Day” event, part of a larger movement that includes over 200 groups across North Carolina. These groups are engaging in activities designed to raise awareness and support for Alzheimer’s patients and their families.
In Wilmington, two notable events are underway. At Bradley Creek Health Center at Carolina Bay, located at 740 Diamond Shoals Road, residents are participating in bouquet-making activities and other community-driven events. This hands-on approach not only fosters engagement but also creates meaningful moments for those affected by Alzheimer’s.
Simultaneously, Brightmore of Wilmington, at 2320 South 41st Street, is hosting a Summer Solstice Walk on their campus from 10 to 11 a.m. This walk encourages residents and participants to come together in movement and reflection, symbolizing unity and the collective strength needed to confront the daily realities of Alzheimer’s.
The Longest Day events across the country serve a dual purpose: they are both a fundraiser and a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against Alzheimer’s. By choosing the summer solstice—a day defined by its extended daylight hours—organizers underscore the endurance and hope that caregivers and patients embody every day. It’s a poignant metaphor that captures the essence of living with Alzheimer’s: the struggle with time, memory, and the desire for light in the face of darkness.
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of Americans, robbing individuals of their memories and independence while placing immense emotional and physical burdens on their caregivers. Awareness campaigns such as these play an essential role in educating the public, reducing stigma, and generating funds for research and support services.
Jill Watson’s decade-long commitment to fundraising in Camas exemplifies how personal stories can galvanize community action. Her efforts, alongside the collective participation of hundreds of groups statewide in North Carolina and beyond, highlight the power of local initiatives in contributing to a national cause.
As the sun reaches its peak on June 20, communities from Oregon to North Carolina will come together, walking, creating, and raising their voices in solidarity. These events not only honor those living with Alzheimer’s but also inspire hope that through awareness, research, and support, progress can be made toward better treatments and ultimately a cure.
For those interested in joining or learning more about these events, local Alzheimer’s Association chapters and participating organizations provide resources and information. Whether through a walk, a creative activity, or simply sharing stories, every action contributes to shining a light on Alzheimer’s and supporting those affected.
In a world where Alzheimer’s can make each day feel like the longest, these community efforts remind us that we are not alone in the fight. Together, with compassion and determination, there is hope for brighter days ahead.
