In 2016, while working as a caregiver for Visiting Angels, I had an idea.  I gathered 18 friends, many were widows like myself and created a Longest Day event in my hometown, Merrimack, NH.  We sold 300 hot dogZ.  I set our goal to raise awareness and empathy for those families dealing with a disease that currently has no cure. The true value of NH Hot DogZ for ALZ are the opportunities it provides for people to learn about Alzheimer's and to connect with others whose lives are impacted by this disease. 

In 2023, our team grew to 75 volunteers, 35 sponsors, 8 onsite exhibitors, and 1200 attendees. We fundraised $15,076, bringing our 8 year total to just over $61,000.  The Merrimack event has grown to the point where we are an Alzheimer's disease awareness community.  Gov. Sununu and 5 state reps are working with us onsite.  Paul Micali, our Town manager and his town council staff have declared a proclamation. "The town council of the Town of Merrimack, hereby proclaim June 22, 2023, as "The Longest Day" in Merrimack and stand in support of this ALZ event".    

As the leader of this Longest Day Team, I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished.  On June 27th, we will gather again to fight this disease, attendees, caregivers,  family members, sponsors,  volunteers and widows to help #ENDALZ.