I'm riding this year in memory of my friend Frank Urciuoli. Frank was a great friend who introduced me to this ride and who unfortunately passed away last year. Frank lost his mother to Alzheimer's and participated in this ride for many years before I got involved. I'm glad I was able to ride with him in his last few Rides to End ALZ.
I became involved with the Alzheimer's Association for a very personal reason, I lost my dad and mother-in-law long before I should have due to this terrible disease. Losing my dad was extremely difficult, however, all of the memories will never be forgotten by me or anyone that has ever met him. Anyone that knew my dad knew that he was all about having fun, and if you were lucky enough to go out with him you also knew you were like one of his kids. He always made sure everyone had the same good time, whether it was providing everyone a meal or making sure everyone had the same spending money, he would take care of you. His way of living and his generosity are the inspiration for the Team Name: Vidz Kidz.
Just about every minute of every day someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. So it's only a matter of time before you are likely to have a friend or family member who is diagnosed and there is currently no recovery, it IS going to take their life. Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk and we must come together to change the course of this disease.
I'm here to ask you to please help me raise funds and awareness by making a donation of any size so that one day so many people won't be taken from us by Alzheimer's disease. This is my 12th year fundraising and I hope we can break the record of over $4000 that all of you helped me set a couple of years ago. I will be riding the 100 miles once again so I ask you to help support me in my efforts to find a cure. All funds raised benefit the Alzheimer's Association and its work to enhance care and support programs and advance research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer’s disease!
Cheer Me On!