Why I Ride: Team Iola is named after Iola Cates, Leslie’s Mom, who passed away in 2013 after living with Alzheimer's for several years. We ride in honor of Iola and also her husband and primary caregiver Charles Cates (aka Chuck or Charlie) who passed away in 2020. I'm asking for your support to raise funds for research to End Alzheimber's which impacts 6.5 million Americans.
My parents, Iola and Charlie, were married for over 50 years. Together they raised four kids and one of the most important lessons they taught us was taking care of family and friends. Before Iola was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, their lives had already been touched by dementia. Iola's Mom and Aunt suffered from dementia - Iola and Charles helped take care of them both. Her own ALZ diagnosis changed their lives; they weren’t able to entertain and travel as much but their love remained strong. Dad was Mom’s constant caregiver. As her care needs increased, he finally and reluctantly made the tough decision for her to be cared for at an assisted living facility where he visited her daily. Leslie's family and especially her sister Wendy pitched in to care for her. Throughout all of this, Mom continued to smile at us even when she wasn't certain who we were. And she always knew Dad. I’ll always treasure seeing Mom’s incredible smile that she reserved for Dad. Even Alzheimer’s couldn’t take their love for each other away from them. And that was a gift. So in return for that gift, we ride for Iola and Charlie and all Alzheimer's patients and caregivers.
I am asking for your support to raise funds for Alzheimer's research through the Ride to End ALZ. This is a one day fundraising event where every dollar raised supports the Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts to discover methods of treatment and prevention for Alzheimer’s disease.
Thank you for cheering me on. And Here's the Brain Health for all.
Leslie
Cheer Me On!