Plymouth Woman to Raise Awareness for Alzheimer's

Plymouth Woman to Raise Awareness for Alzheimer’s

Kimberly Teel, of Plymouth is rallying her team END ALZ for JGP to raise funds and awareness for an Alzheimer’s Association® event called The Longest Day on June 21. The Longest Day, focused on the summer solstice was created in recognition of the long days that are part of living with Alzheimer’s disease.

This is Teel’s third year participating in The Longest Day. She joined the event after losing her mother, Jean G. Priess to the disease. Priess was one of the first Nurse Practicioners when the program began in the 1970s, she continued her education to become a Physician’s Assistant. Priess also lost her mother and two aunts to Alzheimer’s.

“We all want to find the cure to this cruel, unrelenting disease,” said Teel. “My family and I have participated in two events each year since my mother died to honor her memory.”

Teel’s team, END ALZ for JGP, plans to spend The Longest Day beach combing to collect shells, sea glass and other materials to use to create a special and artistic keepsake from the day.

“My mother was an artist and had a huge love of the ocean so we combined her passions and will enjoy them all day,” said Teel. “It’s a great event because you can choose whatever activity you want to do which is unlike any other fundraising event I know of.”

Funds raised by Teel will benefit the research, programs and public awareness efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association in Massachusetts.

“The idea of The Longest Day resonates with people who have been affected by Alzheimer’s,” said Jim Wessler, president/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter. “This is a difficult disease, emotionally, financially and of course in terms of health. People want to be able to fight back and this is one way that they can.”

The Longest Day is a sunrise-to-sunset team event that symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with Alzheimer’s disease. Teams are encouraged to design their own day as they raise funds and create a meaningful experience to support the Alzheimer’s movement. Participants can create relays, organize tournaments, take on physical challenges, or design days based around a loved one’s favorite activities. To start a team or learn more about The Longest Day, visit alzTLD.org.##

About the Alzheimer’s Association:

The Alzheimer Association provides services and programs for those with Alzheimer’s, family and professional caregivers in the form of support groups, a 24/7 Helpline, care consultation, advocacy efforts, and education programs. The Alzheimer’s Association is also the world’s leading nonprofit funder of research into causes, treatments and, someday, a cure. For more information about Alzheimer programs, visit www.alz.org/MANH or call 800.272.3900.