A Penn Hills woman is working to honor her late mother and raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, an illness she said is widely misunderstood.

“It’s not an old person’s thing,” Amy Davidson said. “My mother passed away at 69, but she battled it for more than 10 years.”

Davidson will host a fundraiser June 18 at Deer Lakes Park to honor Patty Frost, and to pay tribute to the 6 million Americans who live with Alzheimer’s.

Dubbed “Patty’s Longest Day,” the event is an 18-hole disc golf tournament at the park’s scenic course.

It runs from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
and is sponsored by Innova Champion Discs and Throw Pink.

Cost is $30 and includes a swag bag and 50-50 raffle
ticket.

The Alzheimer’s Association launched the “Longest Day” initiative with the hope of encouraging people across the world to come together and fight the disease. Annual campaigns are held each June.

According to the website: “The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. Thousands of participants from across the world come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice.”

Nathaniel Sofranko, development manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, said about 150 groups in the state host a Longest Day fundraiser. The chapter covers the entire state, with the exception of the Philadelphia region.

“It’s wonderful because the event is truly about using the participant’s passions and hobbies to support the cause,” he said.

This year, in addition to disc golf, there will be a pinball tournament, car wash, bike ride and bake sale, among others.

“It’s nice to see the creativity and the interpretations that people bring,” Sofranko said.

Christopher Davidson, Amy’s…