This year I am committing to ride at least 60 miles in the Texas Ride to End ALZ. I am inspired by the strength of the more than 6 million Americans living with this disease, and the over 11 million family members and friends who provide them with care. I am also inspired by science.
Why I Ride: In 2020, Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He had been diagnosed with Cognitive Decline several years previous and I kept hoping it was something else. That it would just stay the way it was and not get worse. The day we learned for certain it was Alzheimer's was indescribable. That was the day the grief started. Because with AD, you grieve for the loss of a person who is still there. You see them and you interact with them, but each time you realize they've slipped a little further away. The last time I visited he didn't initially recognize me.
My picture is from the 2014 Buffalo Springs Half Ironman. It was a challenging day and my dad was my support crew. He met me near the finish line to walk with me to the finish. Not many words - just was there. Like he has been my whole life. Sadly, he no longer remembers that day.
Why fundraising helps: In the past 2 -3 years we have seen results of Alzheimer's research with more understanding of the disease and several new treatments available. Your donations help fund this research make a difference! Every dollar raised 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 your support.
Cheer Me On!