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    Fighting Alzheimer's One Mocktail at a Time

    Fighting Alzheimer's One Mocktail at a Time

    Wedding photograph 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

    Mother and daughterTo 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.

    It started with a "Blue Jeans Day" at the office. In exchange for a donation supporting the work of the Association, Jennifer's colleagues got to wear jeans to work, rather than their usual professional dress code. This initial fundraising idea quickly blossomed into something more: a festive mocktail party. Decorated tables were set up, complete with snacks, mocktails and garnishes. Colleagues, wearing jeans of course, donated for drinks. The event was a huge hit, raising more than $1,700, far more than Jennifer anticipated.

    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

    Mocktail10 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.