As summer ushers in the longest day of the year, the Alzheimer’s Association marks this occasion with “The Longest Day” fundraising initiative. This event encourages people to raise money by engaging in activities they love, aiming to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
For Julie Jaworski, this cause is deeply personal. She takes to the trails, supporting her husband, Dan Jaworski, who is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Although cycling isn’t her favorite activity, Julie has embraced it wholeheartedly. “I am getting better and better at it. I am still really slow,” she admits.
Dan, her husband of 37 years, appreciates her effort. “Especially biking. I feel like I am ahead of the disease, just like it’s not catching me. So, to have a partner who is so willing to come, and it’s just a great time for us to spend time together. So, it’s been a beautiful part of my journey,” he shared.
The Longest Day initiative allows participants to turn their passions into fundraisers. For Julie and Dan, that passion is exercise. “I turn 60 years old today, so we decided that we would have our longest day be a 60-mile bike ride,” Julie said.
Julie has been shining a light on Alzheimer’s for the past five years, raising an estimated $300,000 for the Central and North Florida Alzheimer’s Association. Denise Ward, the Development Manager, praised her efforts: “Not only does she fundraise for the Alzheimer’s Association, but she also helps me to grow the program.”
Julie’s dedication stems from a change she noticed in Dan in 2018. Memory issues led to a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment after nine months of tests. “Every memory issue said significantly impaired,” Julie recalled, “That was really hard.”
Determined to raise awareness, Julie has been active locally and in Washington, D.C. “There are no cures out there, there are very few drugs available, so we need people to wake up and help us in this fight because it’s going to impact everybody’s family,” she emphasized.
Julie remains hopeful and committed to her cause until a cure is found. “It’s still not around the corner, but I am hopeful,” she said. For her relentless efforts, Julie is celebrated as an Everyday Hero. Dan describes her as “the most compassionate and the most loving person I know.”
Julie aims to raise $50,000 this year. To support her efforts, you can donate here.