Why I Ride: I ride for my Mom, Iola Cates, who passed away in 2013 after living with Alzheimer's for several years.  I also ride for my Dad, Charles Cates (aka Chuck or Charlie), her primary caregiver, who passed away in 2020. I'm asking for your support to raise funds for research to End Alzheimer's which impacts 6.5 million Americans.  

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 were already touched by dementia. Iola's Mom and Aunt both 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. My family and especially my sister Wendy pitched in to care for her. We were blessed that Mom kept her cheerful personality, always smiling 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 away their love for each other.  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 to excellent Brain Health for all. 

Leslie