By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com
Grand Plains Skilled Nursing Center in Pratt is joining with the Alzheimer’s Association in the search for a cure by hosting a fundraising event on the Summer Solstice which is the Longest Day of the year. This year due to the leap year it will be held on June 20, 2024 at 5 p.m., 331 State Route 61, just on the northern edge of Pratt.
This is the third year Grand Plains is hosting this fundraiser and Thursday events include a car show, raffle, beer garden, goat petting and cuddles, plus a hog roast.
The car show $20 entry fee for each entry goes entirely to the Alzheimer’s Association. The hog roast meal is a free-will donation to cover costs of the event.
“2022 was the first full summer I worked for Americare,” said Alisha Craft, Administrator at Grand Plains. “Americare as a company encourages each of their communities to participate in this yearly event. I couldn’t think of anything better than participating and raising money for this cause. Alzheimer’s has affected me personally in my family, it affects the families we serve here at Grand Plains every day and our employees. Finding a cure would mean the world to so many people.”
Grand Plains would appreciate any support the local public could give during this fundraiser.Their goat is to raise $2000
Alzheimer’s Disease is a type of dementia that affects a person’s memory, cognitive thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s is not considered a normal part of aging, although it does mostly affect those 65 and older. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s will eventually become severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. There are medications available to treat and/or slow down the disease process. However, there currently remains no cure.
For more information about Alzheimer’s and the Longest Day fundraiser please go to www.alz.org, online.
In 2020 the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) believed there were over 55,000 cases of Alzheimer’s in residents over 65. That number is expected to increase to 62,000 by 2025 representing a 12.7% increase in cases. Nationwide, Alzheimer’s effects nearly 7 million individuals with approximately 200,000 of those being under the age of 65. Alzheimer’s also affects the nearly 11 million caregivers of those diagnosed with the disease.
