July 14 Memory Ride Covers Miles, Brings Hope
WATERTOWN, Mass., June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hundreds of cyclists, from experienced to novice, are signing up for Memory Ride to raise money and awareness to fight Alzheimer's disease. Set for Saturday, July 14, Memory Ride offers a new 2-mile family option as well as a challenging 100-mile "century" ride, a "metric century" of 62 miles and 30-mile "introductory" option. The Memory Ride traverses towns in north central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
Memory Ride benefits the Alzheimer's Association's® research efforts into causes, treatments and cures for Alzheimer's, the degenerative, fatal brain disease that affects 5.4 million Americans. To date, the Memory Ride has raised more than $2.7 million for research.
Starting and finishing at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, the ride has become one of the state's fastest-growing charity events.
The Memory Ride is designed to involve entire families as well as cyclists seeking a challenge. Each participant agrees to raise a minimum amount of money and fundraising levels have been set as reachable goals, according to Ride coordinator Angela Floro of the Alzheimer's Association. "We want everyone to feel they can get involved, from novices to experienced distance riders," said Floro. "We hope people bring their family, bring their friends."
The Association offers training and cycling information for casual riders and serious cyclists. Riders and those who would like to volunteer to help with the event can sign-up at www.memoryride.org . The event includes a post-ride BBQ, exhibitors' fair and children's activities.
"This disease is tremendously difficult for the people affected and for their families. The Ride not only raises much needed money for research, but also raises public awareness and understanding," said James Wessler, President/CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter.
"We are seeing significant increases in the number of people calling our 24/7 Helpline and seeking our services," Wessler said. "We want people to reach out for information. An early diagnosis does make a difference in the course of the disease because there are treatments and lifestyle changes that may slow the progression of the symptoms."
The Alzheimer's Association has headquarters in Watertown, MA and regional offices in Springfield, Raynham, and Worcester, MA and Bedford and Lebanon, NH. The Alzheimer's Association provides services and programs for those with Alzheimer's, family and professional caregivers in the form of support groups, a 24/7 Helpline, care consultation, advocacy efforts, research funding and education programs. Visit www.alz.org/MANH for more information.
SOURCE Alzheimer's Association
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