The Longest Day

My triple climb up Mt. Washington to honor those stricken with Alzheimer’s

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Jason Lynch has a firsthand view of the toll that Alzheimer’s disease takes on individuals and their families. The 24-year-old works at the Alzheimer’s Association as a development associate and has decided to put himself to the test by hiking Mt. Washington not once but three times in a single day. He will honor a different family with each ascent.

“The Longest Day” is an Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser to build public awareness and raise money for the cause.

“The days are always long, when living with Alzheimer’s,” said Betsy Fitzgerald-Campbell, Vice President of Public Affairs at the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter where Jason works. “Jason has really taken the challenge to heart and decided to make an extraordinary gesture in honor of people he knows who are living with the disease.”

Lynch’s fundraising goal was $1,600, which equals $100 for each hour he believe it will take him to complete the triple climb. He’s passed his first goal and is now hoping to raise $2,500.

Two weeks ago, he made a practice hike on Washington. He climbed twice, up and down, in about nine hours.

“I think I can complete the three climbs, but it’s definitely going to be pushing beyond my limits,” Lynch said. He has a friend who will hike alongside him for two of the three ascents.

“The Longest Day” is attracting really imaginative fundraising ideas,” Fitzgerald-Campbell said.  “Few are as physically daunting as Jason’s.”

Those interested in supporting Jason Lynch’s climbs can do so at bit.ly/169WgOh or at thelongestday.com by searching for him by name. Checks payable to “Alzheimer’s Association” may also be mailed to Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter, Attn: Jason Lynch, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Information on the Alzheimer’s Association can be found at alz.org/MANH.

Jason’s blog

On The Longest Day, I faced some pretty daunting numbers. There were the 16 consecutive hours I hiked. The 26.4 miles I trekked. The 12,750 feet of elevation I climbed … and then had to descend. There were also the 4,000-plus calories I consumed and the 300 or so ounces of Gatorade I drank. And let’s not forget the $2,500 I promised to raise for the Alzheimer’s cause.

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