Why I Ride: This year I was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease at age 54. My husband Mike and I took a dream trip to Japan, but the 12-hour time zone difference made me extremely disoriented and forgetful. On our return, I was able to see a neurology doctor quite quickly due to Mike's efforts to keep calling for an appointment every morning.
More than 6 million Americans are living with this disease. From what I've been able to find from the CDC, there are less than 200,000 people under the age of 65 with Alzheimer's Disease.
At this point, I'm in the mild cognitive decline stage and hoping I'll be able to stay stable when I start infusions in September and be able to access the newer, more effective medications available in the new year.
My father and paternal grandmother died from dementia. I hope the fundraising on this ride and so many others will help other families be able to have more quality years with their loved ones.
Right now, there is no shortage of ideas in Alzheimer’s research — only dollars. Which is why I am asking for your support. I am participating on the Ride to End ALZ®, a fully-supported, premier cycling event that supports the Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts to discover methods of treatment and prevention for Alzheimer’s disease.
With each mile I ride, I am raising funds to advance research toward the first survivor of Alzheimer’s. Thank you for cheering me on and thank you for considering a donation!
If you want to follow my journey, take a look at my CaringBridge page.
Cheer Me On!