TIFTON — The longest day of the year, the summer solstice, is more than just the official start of summer. It has also become a day for organizations around the country to shine a light on Alzheimer’s and its effects on those who suffer from it and their caregivers.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Sigma Alpha Omega chapter in Tifton held a fundraiser and awareness event as an impact day at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center in Tifton on June 21.

Jennifer Ivey, who spearheaded the event, said the chapter wanted to promote brain health and raise awareness about the condition.

“We started out with exercise this morning,” Ivey said. “Then we had crafts and games. We also did a meditation and chose a book for the sorority to read, called ‘When Your Parent Becomes Your Child: A Journey of Faith Through My Mother’s Dementia.’”

Ivey said that their chapter’s goal was to rise $500 in honor of her parents, who both passed away after suffering from Alzheimer’s.

“We did meet our goal,” she said. “Five hundred plus what we donated today.” 

The AKA sorority as a whole raised more than $135,000 at various events around the country, and were the fourth largest contributor nationwide.

Buffy Hankinson, regional program director for the Alzheimer’s Association, received a check for $300 on behalf of the organization at the awareness event.

The donations go towards support for those suffering and caregivers, and to support research for treatments and a cure.

“This particular day is to bring about awareness in the community and to donate whatever we can towards this effort,” Ivey said.

Hankinson said it was good to have volunteers and people getting involved with the efforts to recognize Alzheimer’s sufferers and honor caregivers all across the country.

“Caregivers are there 24/7 caring for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s,” she said. “This is a way to honor them and bring awareness.”