KNITTING FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET ON THE LONGEST DAY
On June 21, 2013, a team of knitters at Sarah Jane’s Yarn Shoppe in Fort Wayne will join the Alzheimer’s Association in The Longest Day to show those facing Alzheimer’s disease that they are not alone. The team will knit continuously from sunrise to sunset on the longest day of the year to honor and raise funds for the more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and the nation’s sixth leading cause of death. In Indiana, 120,000 Hoosiers live with the disease. The Longest Day is a sunrise-to-sunset team event to raise funds to fuel the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
This event is about patience, strength and endurance – it’s a challenge that reflects the experiences that nearly 15 million caregivers face every day.
On The Longest Day, thousands of participants across the globe will complete approximately 16 hours of consecutive activities such as running, marathon games of bridge at local American Contract Bridge League locations, hiking and even baking.
Fort Wayne residents Jana Powell and Laura Storie are leading the effort locally.
Both Powell and Storie are Alzheimer’s Association volunteers. “I want the Fort Wayne event to increase disease awareness and advocacy,” Powell said. “We also want to promote the Alzheimer’s Association’s services of support, education and research advancement.”
Storie is excited to be spearheading such a unique event. “For years, I have found creative ways to raise awareness and money to fight Alzheimer’s disease, but knitting is a first,” Storie said.
Sarah Jane’s Yarn Shoppe owner Linda Yovan said the event is meaningful to her and her sisters because their mother, whom the store is named after, suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. “We have a long history of dementia in our family,” she said. “Anything that raises awareness and helps find a cure is a good thing.”
Anyone can join the group on June 21 free of charge. Sarah Jane’s Yarn Shoppe is located at 3400 N. Anthony Blvd.
Knitting experience is not required. In fact, beginners will be able to learn how to do a simple stitch! Knitting 101 instruction will be held at 10AM, 2PM and 6PM. Experienced knitters are asked to bring size 8 needles. Participants can also buy needles at the shop.
The day-long event will include food, drinks, door prizes and a raffle for a free class.
To become an official Sarah Jane’s Yarn Shoppe team member for The Longest Day visit www.alz.org/thelongestday or call Sarah Jane’s Yarn Shoppe at 260-471-9276 so you’ll be guaranteed a seat. Walk-ins are welcome and encouraged.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz.org/indiana or call 800-272-3900.
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