This July, I'll be participating in Ride to End ALZ South Carolina, a unique 255-mile, cross-state journey for cycling enthusiasts who are passionate about ending Alzheimer's disease. Our mission is to raise the funds needed for the research, care and support efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.
The picture I uploaded on my fundraising page says it all. This is a picture of my mom from several years ago. She is why I ride! Hi everyone, I have once again taken on the challenge to ride a bicycle across the state of South Carolina to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's research and care. Some of you may remember that I completed this ride last July. It is 255 miles in three days from Simpsonville to Charleston. It was blazing hot last year but I survived! (Think some were surprised!) Well, I'm doing it again on July 12, 13, and 14 of this year. The ride this past summer was amazing. So many people coming together for this cause. We had over 400 riders at the start! The final amount raised last year by this one event was an incredible $1.3 million! We hope to raise $1.5 million this year. There are between 5-6 million people in this country with Alzheimer's. It touches just about everyone in this country in some way. Alzheimer's strips a person of all their dignity and makes those involved feel helpless. It was only during this ride last July that I felt like I was able to do something to fight back against this horrible disease.
Some of you know this is a cause that is very close to me. As I mentioned last year, Alzheimer's is batting 1.000. It never loses. My mom had Alzheimer's for 12-13 years until she lost her fight this past November. She put up an amazing fight and made us all so proud. She knew she was in a losing battle but she never stopped fighting. I was privileged to help care for mom for the last couple of years of her life. There were many moments I won't forget and was glad that I was there for her. Dementia tears at your emotions and leaves you feeling helpless. It's hard to watch but I was fortunate to be a part of her care. This is the second life this horrible disease has taken from our family. My grandmother and now mom both died from this disease.
Most all of us know or have known someone with this disease. If you have known someone, then you know how difficult it can be at times for the patient and for the family. Everyone is affected. It truly does take a team to care for someone with Alzheimer's. My family was fortunate enough to be able to cover the expenses involved in mom's care but there are many who cannot. The money raised on this ride will be used to help pay for the care of Alzheimer's patients and families who are struggling to meet the needs of their loved one and to fund research to find a cure/treatments for this horrible disease.
Please consider donating through my fundraising page to help me reach my goal of $3000 and most of all to help raise money for research and care to help bring us closer to finding effective treatments and a cure for Alzheimer's. Whether you choose to donate or not, please remember all who are fighting this disease and their families. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks!
Maybe I'll see you on the road!
Right now, there is no shortage of ideas in Alzheimer's research - only dollars. That's why I am asking for your support.
By participating in Ride to End ALZ South Carolina, I'm fueling support services and cutting-edge research to change the trajectory of Alzheimer's disease. Each dollar I raise helps advance research toward the first survivor of Alzheimer's and provide help for those facing dementia today.
Will you join me? Thank you for donating and cheering me on!
Cheer Me On!