On July 14-16, 2023, the Alzheimer’s Association® South Carolina Chapter hosted its Ride to End ALZ® South Carolina cycling event, presented by RYOBI. This annual three-day Group Ride covered 258 miles from Simpsonville to Mt. Pleasant, with stops in Newberry and Orangeburg.
Now in its fifteenth year, the event has already raised an amazing $1.27 million to advance the research, care and support efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. This is the first Ride to End ALZ destination in the nation to hit the $1 million mark, as well as the only single event held by the Alzheimer's Association South Carolina Chapter to achieve this milestone.
“It's thrilling to know that the fundraising efforts of our cyclists and volunteers are having a direct impact on the fight to end Alzheimer's and all dementia,” said Jerry Chapman, Director of Ride to End ALZ South Carolina. “Over 500 riders have gone the distance this year, each of them doing so in honor or in memory of someone who has had Alzheimer's or another dementia. They ride with the hope and belief that effective treatments — and ultimately a cure — are within sight.”
Ride to End ALZ South Carolina also offers a Virtual Challenge, which gives cyclists the flexibility to log their miles on their own, whenever and wherever they like, throughout the month of July.
As we wrap up the month of July, we applaud the committed efforts of ALL of our riders. And we can think of no better way to recognize your accomplishments then by sharing the words of one of our very own cyclists, Cory Donovan. Cory has participated in our Group Ride for three years now, traveling from Baltimore, Maryland, to ride in honor of his mother. It is our honor to share why Cory rides.
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Reflections and photos contributed by Cory Donovan.
Now that we've done the CYCLING part, I wanted to share my WHY part...
My Mom was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in early 2021. It was sadly not much of a surprise — her memory loss had gone from somewhat irritating to downright concerning in a very short period of time. Her mother, my Grandmother, had severe dementia, and my immediate family took on the role of caretakers as her condition worsened.
What was shocking, though, was how "early" the diagnosis for my Mom was. As of today, my Mom is still only 63 years old. None of us were ready for her condition to get so severe so quickly.
Upon her diagnosis, I immersed myself in research about Alzheimer's, and I still do. In the process, the digitial world learned to promote Alzheimer's-themed ads in all my social media and google search feeds — and that was how I came across the Ride in South Carolina. That was the last year under the moniker "A Ride to Remember".
This happened to coincide with a time when I was getting fit on the bike, and the challenge appealed to me because it felt like something I could actually do that had the potential to make a difference. I thought, "I'm pretty OK at biking, and my doing it can actually do something to make a difference" — for my mom, and for millions of other people who are struggling with this awful disease.
My Mom's condition still rapidly declines, and particularly after my Father passed away earlier this year. I still Ride with all my heart as if the watts I put out on the bike will generate a cure in time for her, and I probably always will.
Being a part of the Ride has been a special part of my life since then, in so many ways. We have made SO much progress in the fight against Alzheimer's. Some are even calling 2023 the Year of the Fight Against Alzheimer's— and after raising $1.2 million through our SC Ride alone, I think that's fair!
The recent drugs that have been approved give me so much optimism, but like many experts, I recognize that they only deal with one part of the puzzle — targeting the amyloid plaque characteristic of cognitive decline. It's a major step in the right direction, and they will help slow the decline for so many who suffer from the scourge of Alzheimer's.
But while we continue to wait for developments in a more comprehensive treatment, the BEST way to fight Alzheimer's is with a preventative approach focused primarily on a physically ACTIVE lifestyle and healthy diet.
I ride for my Mom — she is the WHY - but also for and with all of you. The sheer act of participating in this event — the physical demands, the connections we make with one another — we are quite literally fighting Alzheimer's, for ourselves and for one another.
Living much further away in Baltimore, I only get to see so many of you in person just once a year. And as always, it was truly wonderful to spend time with you all again this year.
Cheers y'all, and RIDE ON!
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If you are a cyclist, please mark your calendar for the 2024 Ride to End ALZ South Carolina! The 3-day Group Ride will be July 12-14, 2024, and a Virtual Challenge component will continue to be offered throughout the month of July for those who would prefer to log the miles on their own (or indoors in the air conditioning).
You can also check out additional Ride to End ALZ destinations and virtual events at alz.org/ride.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.