Help us fight Alzheimer's! My pickleball team and I are participating in The Longest Day to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.

Read more about The Longest Day event below:

Many of us have been affected by Alzheimer's directly or indirectly. My first run-in with the mind-riddling disease was when my Non (grandmother), Jane, was diagnosed with dementia. Unfortunately, as the youngest of 6 grandkids, I have vague memories of her "good" years. The ones where she was the cool grandma, building blanket forts with my cousins, taking them shopping, and jumping on the trampoline like she was in her 20s. By the time I was old enough to do those things, she couldn't anymore and I missed out on a heckin good time with her. I got bits and pieces of those times but never knew who she really was growing up-she was always someone else, somewhere else, doing something else-Alzheimer's had taken her spirit away and confused her and the ones around her. She lived with my family during high school for in-home care when she was at her worst. She didn't know where she was sometimes and that can create some terrifying scenarios I don't wish upon anyone. As I've grown into an adult, I wish more and more I could have spent more "good" time with her because I think she would have the best dad jokes and more love to give than a grandma should be capable of. And I think we would have had a lot in common.

The Longest Day is the day with the most light - the summer solstice. On June 20, thousands of participants from across the world come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer's through a fundraising activity of their choice. Will you join the fight with a donation today?

Alzheimer's disease has touched so many lives, maybe even yours. But you can help. With your donation families can receive support on their Alzheimer's journey, promising research can advance toward a future without Alzheimer's and lives can - and will - be changed.

Your donation means so much, to myself and to all those affected by the disease. On behalf of more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and over 11 million caregivers - thank you.