Why I Ride:
I ride for the man that taught me how to ride a bike... my Dad. I lost my Dad to Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease January 28, 2022. He had just turned 71. Nothing will fill the gaping hole in my heart from losing him, but riding and continuing to fight against the monster that took him from me gives my pain purpose and helping others is healing to me.
Alzheimer's runs in my family. My grandmother on my Dad's side, I never got to know because her mind was already stolen by Alz by the time I was born. My uncle Harold, my Dad's older brother passed from Alzheimer's just 3 months after my Dad. I know I have at least one APoE type 4 gene (significantly increases your risk for Alz) because my Dad had two. I'm high risk. This fight is for me... and it's for ALL of us that are still here that this b*tch of a disease is just lurking in the shadows of our brains, ready to strike.
This will be my 4th year participating in the Texas Ride to End Alz. It's been a journey to say the least! From not owning a bike 4 years ago, to riding 60 miles for my 4th year this coming November, co-leading one of the largest teams, and working virtually on the Volunteer Planning committee heading up the Social Media efforts... and now THIS YEAR... I HAVE ACTUALLY CONVINCED MY MOM TO BUY A BIKE AND RIDE IN TEXAS WITH US THIS YEAR!!! It. Is. So. Wild. If you told me I'd be doing all this 5 years ago, I would have told you to get your head checked!!
I am and have been pretty outspoken about Alzheimer's and what I'm doing for a number of reasons. I've learned through my journey over the past 10 years that Alzheimer's is a disease that touches EVERYONE in some way, yet a disease that is not talked about nearly enough.
- I started sharing to normalize talking about alzheimer's/dementia... just like mental health - it is NOT something to hide or be embarrassed about.
- Then I also started sharing in my efforts to fundraise. Fundraising through participating in the walks, then the rides, gave me a sense of taking back some sense of control - it gave me the feeling that I was actually DOING something that I could control when faced with a situation that in actuality I had ZERO control over as I saw my Dad progressing and declining more and more. (Can I get a "hell yeah" from all the control freaks out there?!!)
- After losing my Dad, I have continued to share my story and my experiences. Early on, I knew if my crap is able to reach just one person, helps just one person... then all my breath, all my posts and all the miles on my bike have been 100% worth it. And when a friend who's going through it, reached out and opened up to me, asked me how I got through it, leaned on me when they are struggling... when I shared resources with a patient who's husband just got diagnosed... when a team member teared up after my first ride while explaining how my honesty and vulnerability was one of the most memorable and meaningful parts of his experience as his story was so similar to mine - THOSE moments. Those have been the moments that mean everything - those moments are when I know my story, all my pain and my journey has not been wasted, there is purpose still to be experienced and my Dad is one proud father, smiling down at me from heaven.
The fundraising, while as challenging as it can be to ask for money - is a necessary part of this. Without the money, there is no research. Without the research, there is no progress. (But if it annoys you, you probably wouldn't be reading this, am I right?! ;)
I am beyond grateful for every part of this experience. I am encouraged every year by the generosity of friends, family, acquaintances and strangers. I am empathetic and heartbroken for the ones still going through it. I am blessed to have gained so many friends and an incredible community who supports and shares my passion.
Thank you all for taking the time to read my story and your interest in my ongoing journey. Thank you for your support, your donations, your prayers, your encouragement and your presence in my life.
Now let's go KICK SOME ALZHEIMER'S ASSSSSS!!!!!
Cheer Me On!