Pedal for Alzheimers Ltd

Greg Mason, CEO of SilverAssist and the Strambecco's Ride to Fight Alzheimer's on October 21 through October 26.

Many of you know I’m a cycling nut and have been riding with a group of fellow nuts for going on 20 years. I won’t bore you with the name's origins, but we dub ourselves “Strambecco’s” and do annual US and European trips. We even have a namesake site & fledgling business: Strambecco.com. This year, we are riding the length of the Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs roughly from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, at 444 miles, over six days of riding.

We are dedicating this year's ride to a charitable cause in the spirit of giving back and teaming up with Pedal for Alzheimer’s (https://pedalforalzheimers.org/) to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, support, and care. With our aging population and increased life expectancy, Alzheimer’s is expected to nearly triple by 2050, leaving 13 million Americans battling this disease alongside caregivers and a strained healthcare system. Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, and while there is no cure (yet!), there has been progress in medications to manage symptoms and slow its progression.

My Strambecco brothers have graciously agreed to support the effort, and we are seeking donations to support the cause and our effort. For several of us, we’ve been touched directly by the cruelty and harshness of the disease. I lost my grandfather and uncle to the disease, and for me, carrying the same gene marker comes with a higher incidence of contracting the disease, making this ride all the more personal. Although I didn’t start cycling as a preventative measure, the happy outcome is that the cardiovascular benefits of cycling act as strong preventative medicine.

Co-sponsoring the ride aside Strambecco.com will be the company I lead, SilverAssist (SilverAssist.com). SilverAssist’s mission is to support seniors throughout their transition to senior living. Our network of hundreds of advisors and Financial ConciergesⓇ nationwide, operating under Oasis Senior Advisors (Oasissenioradvisors.com) and ElderLife Financial (Elderlifefinancial.com), work closely with families and seniors suffering from dementia and/or Alzheimer’s who are struggling to maintain their independence and no longer able to live independently. I’m sure you can appreciate how challenging this is for seniors and families. Our compassionate advisors provide the counseling and resources to help families find the best solutions, making a meaningful difference in their lives.

I hope you’ll join me and the Strambeccos in our fight against Alzheimer’s. Your support is appreciated, whether through words of encouragement or donations.

Pedal for Alzheimer's, Ltd. is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #822320813). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

You're invited to the NLC Group Ride set for Saturday, Nov. 9th. Join this ride in Leiper’s Fork for an approximately 2-hour route led by NLC.

Start: 10:00am CST

Location:

Hillsboro School

5412 Pinewood Rd

Franklin, TN 37064

All cycling levels welcome. Enjoy a free ride; help NLC reach their $5,000 fundraising goal by making a donation today.

Pedal for Alzheimer’s is thrilled to partner with professional cycling team, Nashville Local Cycling (NLC), making Pedal for Alzheimer’s the official non-profit charity of NLC.

The collaboration of Pedal for Alzheimer’s and Nashville Local Cycling are committed to the growth and mission to spread awareness and raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, support and care.

Knoxville health expert Eddie Reymond announces the Eddie’s 550 Tee Off for Alzheimer’s charity golf event that will welcome celebrities and the public to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s. The 8-day event is set for March 18 - 25, 2024 at The Club at Gettysvue with a kickoff event on day one which will welcome celebrity support such as Curt Maggitt, Scott Stallings, Mike Murray, Keith Delong, Missy Kane, Michelle Marciniak and more.

Reymond will celebrate his 55th birthday and chose to do so in a way that stretches his physical and mental endurance all while making a difference for a cause that is close to his heart. The eight days of sunup to sundown golfing will feature approximately 1,000ft of elevation and 5+ miles of walking for each round of 18 holes. Reymond is training for the grueling level of physical and mental fatigue.

“Cognitive health is so important and if I can help make a difference for the future of Alzheimer’s, I’m proud to push my mind and body to extreme measures,” Eddie Reymond said. “As I watched heroes like Pat Summitt and others face the disease, I wish I could have done more to help. There’s something inside of me that feels like I can help do that now.”

The kickoff event on March 18th is open to the public to golf with Reymond and the celebrities, as well as spectator passes available for purchase. Awards for closest to the pin and longest drive will be honored. Proceeds will benefit Pedal for Alzheimer’s which carries on the mission to spread awareness and raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, support and care.

Learn more at PedalforAlzheimers.org.

Official Ambassadors

A Pedal for Alzheimer’s Ambassador is a valued member of the organization who proudly bears the name of the organization, leads group rides in their unique locations, and carries the banner of the mission to spread awareness and raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, support and care.

Ambassadors are cyclists who use their influence to further the mission of the organization.

Make a donation in honor of our 2023 Official Ambassadors:

Mike Barto - Knoxville, TN

Regan Craig - Jackson, TN

Jon Crowson - Oak Ridge, TN

Cody Diehl - Fayetteville, AR

Julie Dortch - Springfield, TN

Kyle Dortch - Springfield, TN

Sarah Farber - Virginia Beach, VA

Michael Faulk - Knoxville, TN

Ashleigh Fetter - Louisiville, CO

Heather Fetter - Pass Christian, MS

Steve Garner - Estill Springs, TN

Maysoun Geizer - Louisville, TN

Luca Giori - Knoxville, TN

Michelle Gray - Fayetteville, AR

Dustin Helton - Knoxville, TN

Daniel Justice - Knoxville, TN

Katie Lance - Knoxville, TN

Gerard Leano - Somerset, NJ

Joey Lovedall - San Diego, CA

Dereck Mattson - Eden Prairie, MN

David McAllister - Jacksonville, FL

Anna Silva - Louisville, CO

Jeff Snyder - Knoxville, TN

Garrett Stacy - San Antonio, TX

Carlene Steenekamp - Knoxville, TN

Ryan Villalobos - Knoxville, TN

Walter Waage - Knoxville, TN

Pedal for Alzheimer's, Ltd. is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #822320813). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

Michelle's Story

Michelle witnessed her beloved college basketball coach, Pat Summitt, died at age 62, diagnosed with 'early onset' at age 57. When Pat was diagnosed, Michelle grasped to understand what to expect at each turn with the progression of Pat's disease. Gentle counsel and advice from her core group of friends were invaluable as Michelle had no idea what to expect when she interacted with Pat just like so many caregivers confronted with a disease they have never experienced.

What most people do not realize is that Alzheimer's affects the loved ones, often the caregivers, as much as the actual patient. In the later stages of the disease, the caregiver takes on the full brunt of the disease. A loving support system is critical both for the patient and the caregiver. As the caregiver, the awareness of warning signs, what to look for, and how to communicate with your loved one with Alzheimer's is vital to understand as you cope, learn and love your way through the disease together. And so, we will pedal.

Pedaling to raise awareness and funds in order to shine a brighter light on the need to help caregivers and to find a cure for Alzheimer's. The conversations – yes, the noise - around Alzheimer's needs to be louder! It has affected Michelle's life personally as it has affected millions of others, most likely including you.

Michelle pedaled in the inaugural 2017 Pedal for Pat 1,098-mile cycling event as co-chair and board member and the 2018 Pedal for Alzheimer's 1,098-mile cycling event. A combined $170,000 was issued to further the mission of Alzheimer's research, education, support and care.

Join the organization in the fight as we will ride for Pat and all of your loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer's. To what end? We want hope. We want hope… so that a diagnosis does not come with today’s certainty of the outcome. We want that for the diagnosed and for those who care for them. We want hope… that there is hope to be cured. To be cared for and cured. We want to thank you for making a tax-deductible contribution to Pedal for Alzheimer's.

Michelle joins the team as an alumni cyclist and former board member.

I am thrilled and personally motivated to join Josh, the Pat Summitt Foundation, and the Pat Summitt Clinic in this year’s Pedal for Pat ride.

Everyone’s family either has been or will be touched by this awful disease. As a former point guard for Pat, I feel it is my calling to shed the brightest of lights on Pat’s legacy to help people understand why one courageous woman’s fight can be the reason for a cure.

I kindly ask everyone to join me and to go deeper into their pockets to support us on our ride this year. Your funds are needed to create awareness to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. Our goal is to double the last Pedal for Pat ride by raising $200,000 and I won’t stop until we beat this disease.

Pedal For Alzheimer's 2023 Event: Pedal for Pat

Pedal for Alzheimer's, Ltd. is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #822320813). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

Michael's Story

Michael Faulk is a cyclist based out of Knoxville, Tennessee. He got into long-distance running over 9 years ago when his dad and best friend was diagnosed with cancer as a way to support him in his fight. Michael's dad lost his hard-fought battle two years later so he began using his passion for running to honor his legacy by continuing to run marathons while also raising money for different charitable organizations.

Within the last year, Michael found cycling and instantly fell in love with it. When he was presented with the opportunity to participate in Ride Tennessee, it was an easy choice.

"When I was presented with the opportunity to participate in Ride Tennessee, it was an easy choice. It is another way to use the health with which God has blessed me and my love for endurance sports to help others. While my family has not been directly affected by Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, as a wealth advisor, I have helped many families to whom I am very close navigate the many challenges associated with this awful disease. So, I look forward to riding in memory of my dad while doing what I can to help find a cure for this disease." - Michael

Pedal For Alzheimer's 2023 Event: Pedal for Pat

Pedal for Alzheimer's, Ltd. is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #822320813). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

Sara's Story

Sara serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors and volunteers with the Pedal for Alzheimer’s, Ltd. team to assist in the management and organization of cycling events that raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, education and awareness. She has served in a variety of roles for the fitness-related 501©3 non-profit organization.

It is an honor to join a team that is actively fundraising and spreading awareness of Alzheimer’s in an effort to find a cure for the disease. As a young Lady Vols fan and through my college years of watching late-legendary Pat Summitt coach, then watching her fight Alzheimer’s in her final days, I’m pleased to align myself with the mission of Pedal for Alzheimer's to carry the fight for Coach Summitt and so many who are impacted by the disease.

In 2020, I completed my first century ride. I have so much respect for our team members on the bike. Equally, I am so proud to serve on the support team alongside many passionate and inspiring team members!

Pedal For Alzheimer's 2023 Event: Pedal for Pat

Pedal for Alzheimer's, Ltd. is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #822320813). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

Joey's Story

WE ALL HAVE A STORY that drives and moves us to make a difference in the world. For me, it started in 2016 when my mom began showing some signs of early-onset Alzheimer's and she came to live with me. In October 2016, after many tests, she was diagnosed with Dementia with a pattern of Alzheimer's.

For the next three years, I had the privilege of taking care of her with the help of my sister. I would help my mom get ready for her day and the normal day-to-day routine. After the second year, she progressed more and became too overwhelmed with going out. The timing couldn't have been better because Glenner Town Square had just opened!

Glenner Town Square is a revolutionary senior day center (the best in the nation). It's like a 1950s movie set. When you walk in it feels like you traveled back in time and puts you right at ease. It is incredible!! With the help of Mr. Tarde (CEO of Glenner Town Square), I saw we were not alone.

There is a huge community that provides help, support and creative thinkers who think out of the box to help navigate through the good and bad times and I wanted to be a part of it!!

I joined the Pedal for Alzheimer's team as an ambassador and cyclist to make a difference. On September 11, 2023, I will be one of the 12 cyclists to ride in "Pedal for Pat 2023." This 12-day, 1,098-mile cycling event will start and end at the University of Tennessee. Pedal for Pat 2023 is a fundraising event with all proceeds going to benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Pat Summitt Clinic.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!! Please donate, volunteer and or help spread awareness.

Pedal For Alzheimer's 2023 Event: Pedal for Pat

Pedal for Alzheimer's, Ltd. is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #822320813). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

Dr. Joe Graves' Story

Dr. Joe Graves serves on the Pedal for Alzheimer's board of directors and has participated in two prior 12-day, 1,098-mile charity cycling events with the organization. He leads a very active lifestyle and places a priority on his physical, emotional and spiritual health and well-being. He is an avid cyclist and passionate about road cycling. He also has competed in a variety of other athletic endurance events including marathon running, triathlons, multisport adventures, whitewater river rafting, hiking, etc.

“Alzheimer’s Disease and other Neurologic Disorders run on both sides of my family. I am doing the Pedal for Alzheimer’s Ride both in memory of and in honor of my relatives. Hopefully, the dollars raised through this event will help facilitate a breakthrough in treatment, and eventually a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.” - Joe Graves

Pedal For Alzheimer's 2023 Event: Pedal for Pat

Pedal for Alzheimer's, Ltd. is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #822320813). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

Mike's Story

Mike Barto is an avid cyclist based out of Powell, Tennessee. He has been a huge help to the Pedal for Alzheimer's organization as an alumni Ambassador, Ride Tennessee cyclists and now Pedal for Alzheimer’s Ambassador Captain. He rides in memory of his mother who lost her fight with Alzheimer's in 2020. He is a triathlete who is combining his love for cycling with a passion to find a cure.‬

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Pedal for Alzheimer's Ltd: Pedal for Alzheimer's is a 501c3 non-profit platform committed to organizing cycling events to raise money, create awareness, and provide education toward the mission of finding a cure for Alzheimer's.

https://youtu.be/D5asnrqgQ-Q

Pedal for Alzheimer's, Ltd. is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #822320813). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

David's Story

David is an avid cyclist based in Jacksonville, Florida where he recently participated in the organization's 6-day, 500-mile charity cycling event. He believes in the mission of the organization as it is a perfect combination of his favorite sport and his desire to support a worthy cause and charitable organization.

He rides 16-20 times per month individually and supports the group Young Survivors Coalition riding 8 times in their annual Tour De Pink 250 + mile group ride. Alzheimer's is personal to his family after seeing the effects of the disease in 4 of his mother's sisters and their families. He is engaged to a caregiver who lost her husband to Alzheimer’s over a 10-year process.

"My passion for everything I do and am involved with will help me learn more about the disease so I can continue the group's fundraising and awareness messaging." - David

David raised $14,975 in 2023 during the Pedal for Pat charity cycling event.

Pedal For Alzheimer's 2023 Event: Pedal for Pat

Pedal for Alzheimer's, Ltd. is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #822320813). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.