NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Passion and creativity have always been driving forces for participants in the Alzheimer’s Association annual fundraising event, The Longest Day. This year, however, TLD participants are taking both to new levels as they navigate COVID-19, including two Nashville-based musicians.
The current pandemic is causing many TLD participants to shift their efforts for the “do-it-yourself” fundraiser to virtual events while taking precautions to physically distance and adhere to stay-at-home orders. As such, Tim Wilson and Josh Misko, who make up the duo Timothy James, are leveraging their debut single titled “Crazy” to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Tennessee Chapter by pledging all profits from sales of the song during the months of July and August.
Timothy James’ participation in The Longest Day fundraiser comes from first-hand experiences with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and traumatic brain injury.
“My family has served the senior community all my life,” Wilson said. “My mother was an administrator at a memory care community and my siblings have all worked as caretakers. Growing up around Alzheimer’s disease, I witnessed how devastating it can be to families and their loved ones battling it. In fact, these experiences are what prompted me to start publicly singing — I saw the positivity that music brought to the community and wanted to do my part in contributing to that experience for them.”
“I developed a passion for memory care after my father began to struggle with a brain injury stemming from a professional sports career,” Misko said. “Seeing my dad’s experience sparked a desire to learn how nutrition and fitness can greatly influence and improve brain health.”
“Crazy” is available to order or pre-save here. You can also make a direct donation to Timothy James’ TLD fundraising page here.
More than 5 million Americans are living with dementia, including 120,000 in Tennessee and more than 16 million caregivers, including 444,000 in Tennessee are providing unpaid care and support. The awareness and funds raised through The Longest Day event allows the Alzheimer’s Association to continue to provide “around-the-clock” support and services for families through its 24/7 Helpline, website, online support groups, while accelerating critical research during this crisis.
Anyone interested in hosting their own TLD event or supporting a local TLD participant can do so by visiting alz.org/thelongestday.
For more information on Timothy James, visit www.timothyjamesofficial.com and follow the duo on Facebook and Instagram.