Annual fundraiser for Alzheimer's Association goes virtual, DIY this year

HERMITAGE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Organizations are putting fundraisers on hold, but not the Alzheimer's Association.

The foundation is encouraging people to raise money for research and patient care in virtual ways.

"I've not run into a person that doesn't have a neighbor, coworker, family member or a friend that's not been touched by Alzheimer's," said Holly Norman.

Norman's 81-year-old mother Dorris has late-stage Alzheimer's.

Doris is one of 120,000 Tennesseans over the age of 65 with the disease. By 2025, it is expected 140,000 Tennesseans will be diagnosed.

"It's really devastating and it's spreading," said Norman.

Norman is a singer-songwriter and planned to host a show to raise money for The Longest Day, the annual fundraiser to help people affected by Alzheimer's.

"We all were so worried. How are we going to fund-raise without shows and people coming around? It is so nice to be able to virtually all get together," she said.

Norman decided to use Facebook Live to generate donations. She broadcast herself baking her mom's coconut cream pie recipe.

"You knew if you went to a Norman family gather, Doris was going to bring some kind of sweets and coconut cream pie was her thing," she said.

If you would like to host your own virtual event sign up here.