Vance Slack shines the light on The Longest Day

The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter (AAGNJ), the leading volunteer-driven voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support, advocacy and research is spotlighting people who are making a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia. With more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, and more than 11 million family and friends providing care and support for them, individuals across the country are seeking ways to assist those afflicted with the disease. In New Jersey alone, there are more than 190,000 people living with the disease and 347,000 caregivers. On June 20, many of them will be participating in The Longest Day (TLD). The event is held annually on the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, and is a day to raise awareness and funds to help end the disease.

Today we say thank you to Vance Slack. "Vance is our youngest Solstice Champion of the season and we couldn't be more proud of him! Dedicating his Bar Mitzvah project in honor of his grandmother is a beautiful way to spread awareness and fight for a cure," said Danielle Buckler, Special Events Coordinator, AAGNJ.

Vance explains, “I chose The Longest Day as my mitzvah, which means ‘good deed’ in Hebrew, because my grandmother is living with early-stage Alzheimer's. After noticing changes in her, I decided that this would be the perfect way to honor her and others living with the disease.”

In only the 7th grade, Vance achieved Solstice Champion status - an elite group of fundraisers who raise $1600 or more for Alzheimer's care, support, and research - by reaching out to family and friends for their support. “I was shocked by the number of people that they knew that were also affected,” he added.

In addition to writing hand written thank you notes to each of his donors, Vance will be participating in a number of activities on the The Longest Day including playing lacrosse, riding bikes and hosting and playing in a basketball tournament with his friends.

Show your support for The Longest Day and register yourself and your activity today at https://www.alz.org/tld.