I didn’t know much of anything about Alzheimer’s until my father told our family in 2010 that our mother had been diagnosed with it. I still didn’t get it at that time.
My mother was beautiful, smart, Godly, a planner, never frazzled, and could work in the yard without getting a hair out of place. She worked her way up to an executive position which was a big deal for a woman many years ago. I asked then and I still ask….why her?
Before this diagnosis and after, my father always took care of momma. He took great care of her at home after being diagnosed, so we didn’t really see the decline he saw on a daily basis over the 7 years. Sure, we noticed things, but mom and dad were always 100% a team. What we didn’t see is the shift of the 100%. From 50/50 to 55/45, to 60/40; to 70/30; to 90/10; to 95/5. At 80/20 dad had to engage other available resources (home care, sitters, etc.). At 85/15 he had to make the hard decision of finding a safe place for mom where the care she needed could be provided.
The level of care mom needed isn’t covered under Medicare. Portions can be covered under long term care policies which are expensive and cover some of the costs but there are still charges not covered at all. At $250+ per day on average for a year, that is almost $92,000 a year for room and board, meals and basic ADLs: activities of daily living. That speaks nothing of medications and other needs of those with Alzheimer’s. My mom lost her battle with Alzheimer’s in April 2017. That was a tough day because it was sad she was no longer here with us but it also meant she was free of this disease and healed.
I’m not even sure how I heard about the Ride to End Alz. Why would anyone want to bike 255+ miles across South Carolina in July? All I know is I signed up to ride in 2018 and came away with lasting friendships with people all fighting for a world without Alzheimer’s. 2018 became 2019 which became 2020 virtual secondary to COVID. In 2021 I had a cycling accident and was only able to ride 80 miles out of the 100 on the last day, so I was looking forward to riding in 2022.
The Monday before the ride was to start on that Friday, COVID jumped on me. Bye, bye 2022. From my bed I watched as together 300+ cyclists raised $800,000!
In 2023, I rode and swore it would be my last year. There is a saying ‘misery loves company’. Despite the challenges with the ride, riding along with 350+ other cyclists who have or are experiencing an Alzheimer’s reality and know the emotional and financial toll it takes on everyone is both encouraging and rewarding. Last year the South Carolina Ride to End Alzheimer’s set a goal of $1 million. Lofty? Yes! But we reached that goal and surpassed it.
So here I am again in 2024 riding what is now Ride to End Alzheimer’s. The good/bad news? This is my last year riding. I may change to volunteering which is a well oiled machine in and of itself. This ride WOULD NOT be possible without the number of volunteers that keep us safe, fed and hydrated for 3 days and 255+ miles across the state of South Caroline in the heat of July!
Rest in peace Momma. And for all of the loved ones and families I have met along the way finishing their story and/or just beginning their story, it’s time to END ALZs!!!
Come to the top of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge on Sunday, July 14, and watch as WE GET OVER IT!!
Pam
Cheer Me On!