James Staten completing a recent trail run.

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The Longest Day is the day of the year with the most light — the summer solstice. And it's the day I have committed to fight Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. I’m participating in The Longest Day, a fundraising event to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association, by running a half marathon in Lake Tahoe.

I was diagnosed in 2020 with Primary Progressive Aphasia, a rare dementia that strikes people in the prime of their life. In my case, I was just 52. I am an avid runner and have completed 67 marathons and 158 half marathons in my lifetime, many in support of nonprofit organizations so that I could raise funds and awareness. I never realized then that I would someday be running in support of a disease that has affected me personally. I'll keep running as long as I am able, and I will keep raising awareness for the Alzheimer's Association and its groundbreaking research efforts. My family has benefitted from the many resources available to those diagnosed with rare dementias like mine, including support groups, educational programming and campaigns like The Longest Day. Ironically, my very first marathon in Anchorage, Alaska, was on the summer solstice in 2004.

Today, an estimated 50 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer's or other dementias, including more than 6 million Americans. In the United States alone, more than 11 million friends and family members are providing their care. We must take action now, or these numbers will continue to rise.

Stand up to the darkness of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and make a donation today to help the Alzheimer's Association. For me, it's personal. Thank you!

James Staten completing a recent trail run.

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