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May 4, 2022Registration for Annual Alzheimer’s Association “Paint the Peaks Purple” Challenge to Benefit the Longest Day
After the success of its inaugural event, the Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York chapter announced that its “Paint the Peaks Purple” challenge in the Adirondack Mountains is open for registration. The challenge is part of The Longest Day, a unique DIY fundraising event held annually on the day with the most light – the summer solstice. On that day and leading up to it, communities around the world rally together to stand up to the darkness of Alzheimer’s and honor the more than million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, including 410,000 in New York State, and their caregivers.
The effort is led by John Marcantonio of South Glens Falls and a member of the prestigious Adirondack 46ers, a club dedicated to hikers who have summited all 46 High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. Marcantonio lost his mother to Alzheimer’s in 2016. As her condition began to decline, Marcantonio used walking as therapy and hiked the Adirondack High Peaks. He began this challenge as a way to help caregivers, friends, family and those living with this disease an opportunity to connect with one another and raise critical funds for the Alzheimer’s Association.
“My goal last year was to have an individual or family on 29 of the easy to moderate peaks the day before the summer solstice,” said Marcantonio. “The event far outweighed my expectations. There was an enormous outpouring of support from the community. The more I talked about the challenge, the more people came forward to share how Alzheimer’s has impacted their lives. This is a devastating disease for families and most people want to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s. The Longest Day provides the opportunity to shine a light for a loved one. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or novice, there is a peak for everyone. Together, we can paint the peaks purple and take care of our community by raising funds and awareness for dementia research, care and support.”
For more information on taking part in this challenge, email Ashley Enekes at aenekes@alz.org or call 518.675.7193.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York chapter offers free education programs, both virtual and in-person, year-round to help those living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, as well as their caregivers. A listing of programs can be found at www.alz.org/northeasternny.
About the Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
