
Double Your Love, Double Your Impact
Double Your Love, Double Your Impact
Help provide 2x the care and support for millions affected by Alzheimer’s and advance research to bring us closer to a cure during our Double the Love Match Challenge
Donate Now Sometimes I'm still in shock that this is our new reality," says Jennifer Adzima Ciuffo.
When Jennifer's mom was diagnosed with dementia, likely Alzheimer's, the family was thrust into an emotional and challenging journey. Watching her mother's condition worsen is very difficult. Witnessing her father's struggle to cope brings Jennifer to tears.
After more than 50 years of marriage, her dad finds it hard to accept the reality of his beloved wife's condition. "When we first moved my mom into a memory care facility, my dad would say, 'When your mom is better, we'll bring her home,'" Jennifer says. "He just doesn't have the heart to admit she isn't coming back."
Finding Strength Through Fundraising in Honor of Her Mom
To make sense of her mom's diagnosis and channel her grief into something productive, Jennifer decided to sign up for The Longest Day®, an Alzheimer's Association fundraising effort where participants can raise money in their own way. "I impulsively signed up after my mom's diagnosis because I thought it would be a good way to get involved and educate myself," she says.
Raising Awareness and Building Community
Jennifer was deeply moved by the generosity and support of her colleagues. Beyond the funds raised, the event opened the door to meaningful conversations with co-workers who shared similar experiences.
"So many people reached out to tell me they're going through something similar with their parents," she says. "It's just nice to know you're not going through it alone." Jennifer recalls one particularly moving conversation with a co-worker who had cared for her mother through Alzheimer's: "She said it was the hardest thing she's ever done, but she wouldn't change it because it gave her time to connect with her mother."
Alzheimer's Association: A Lifeline for Families
The funds Jennifer raised are already hard at work, helping the Association provide care and support to families facing dementia while advancing critical research. Jennifer shared that her friend recently used the Association's free 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900). "They noticed concerning changes in their parent and got the help they needed right away," she says.
Jennifer's own family has relied on these services. "They're helping my dad understand that the behaviors my mom sometimes exhibits aren't really her. It's the disease," she says. "They're helping my dad get through the hardest parts."
Encouragement to Others
Jennifer is committed to continuing her fundraising efforts to support the work of the Association and to create connections and community: "My hope is that with fundraising we can not only raise money to find treatment and a cure but to bring together a community that is full of support, understanding and compassion."
In addition to the mocktail party, she raised funds through art and book sales events. Her advice to others interested in getting involved: "Pick something you're excited about. If you choose something you're passionate about, it makes the process easier. And don't be afraid to ask for help — people are happy to support a good cause."
There was a crowd favorite at Jennifer's mocktail party: The Berry, Merry and Bright. Enjoy one for yourself (recipe below), and sign up to be a part of The Longest Day. Host a party or choose any activity you love to help fight Alzheimer's.
The Berry, Merry and Bright Mocktail
10 fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
1 rosemary stem (leaves stripped)
1 tbsp agave
1 oz lemon juice
6 oz sparkling mineral water
Rosemary sprig for garnish
Directions: Muddle blueberries, rosemary and agave in a shaker. Add lemon juice, stir and strain into a glass. Add crushed ice, top with mineral water, and stir. Garnish with blueberries and rosemary if desired.