non-profit

Regan Craig and Carl White, Grandaddy during the Holidays

Why I Ride: Ambassador Regan Craig

While I’m not sure he ever owned one himself, my grandfather bought every bike I owned as a child. He grew up in the Great Depression and had neither finances nor the time for a bicycle, but that didn’t stop him from wanting to ride.

He was one of those guys who exemplify the Greatest Generation. He had to leave school at age 12 to take over the family farm, then served in Europe during the Second World War. He took advantage of the opportunities military service provided including earning his high school equivalency.

Grandaddy was able to build a successful construction business and start a family. Grandaddy either lived next door or across the cotton patch all the years we shared on this Earth. I often rode the bike he gave me down a field road to get from my home to his.

We lost Grandaddy to Alzheimer’s in 2001. I started cycling a few years later. When Kyle Dortch shared about Pedal for Alzheimer’s in late 2022, I knew I had to be involved.

I’ve lost many other family members to Alzheimer’s, but my grandfather, Carl White, is the reason I ride. He comes to mind on lots of solo rides, especially passing a field road on the edge of a cotton patch.

WRITTEN BY:

Regan Craig

Reagan Craig is a Pedal for Alzheimer’s Ambassador from Jackson Tennessee.

Luca Giori Why I ride Pedal fro Alzheimer's Ambassador cognitive functioning

Why I Ride: Ambassador Luca Giori

Pedal for Alzheimer’s, a 501c3 non-profit charitable platform, holds a special place in my heart. As a soccer player turned cyclist, I embarked on this incredible journey in 2019 after rupturing my ACL. While I’ve always been an athlete, the world of road cycling opened up new horizons for me. Little did I know that my newfound passion would intersect with a cause that’s deeply personal to me.

Luca Giori Why I ride Pedal fro Alzheimer's Ambassador cognitive functioning

Luca Giori Why I ride Pedal fro Alzheimer's Ambassador cognitive functioning In 2011, one month after arriving in the United States from Italy, I received the news of my grandmother’s passing. It wasn’t Alzheimer’s, but rather a brain tumor that had slowly grown over the past year. Although different, her decline in mental faculties bore striking similarities to the mental deterioration experienced by Alzheimer’s patients. Witnessing her gradual loss of the ability to perform even the simplest tasks was heart-wrenching. It was a stark reminder of the relentless nature of diseases that rob individuals of their cherished memories and abilities.

Beyond my own experience, I’ve seen the profound impact of Alzheimer’s on several of my close friends who are caring for parents battling this relentless disease. Alzheimer’s affects not only the afflicted individuals but also their entire families, who bear the emotional and physical burdens of caregiving. It’s a disease that touches the lives of countless people, leaving no community untouched.

Luca Giori Why I ride Pedal fro Alzheimer's Ambassador cognitive functioning

Luca Giori Why I ride Pedal fro Alzheimer's Ambassador cognitive functioning As a veterinarian, I’ve dedicated my life to the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence. This commitment extends beyond the health of animals to the well-being of all living beings. Cognitive decline is a recognized condition not only in humans but also in our beloved animal companions. In the spirit of “One Health,” a collaborative approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of people, animals, plants, and the environment, I felt a calling to become an ambassador for Pedal for Alzheimer’s.

My mission as a Pedal for Alzheimer’s ambassador is twofold. First, I aim to educate and raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects not only people but also our cherished animals. The shared suffering and the potential shared solutions underline the importance of comprehensive research, embracing the interconnection between our well-being and that of our animal companions.

Luca Giori Why I ride Pedal fro Alzheimer's Ambassador cognitive functioning
My journey with Pedal for Alzheimer’s is not only a testament to my personal growth as a cyclist but also a commitment to a cause that touches my heart deeply. I ride with Pedal for Alzheimer’s not only for those who are afflicted but also for the hope of a brighter future where Alzheimer’s is no longer a source of pain and loss. Together, we pedal towards a world free from the shadow of this devastating disease, where memories are cherished, not stolen, and where the health and well-being of all living beings are valued and protected.

Learn more about the Pedal for Alzheimer’s Ambassador program.

Donate in honor of Luca and to help further his impact.

Luca Giori Pedal for Alzheimer's ambassador 2023

WRITTEN BY:

Dr. Luca Giori

Luca Giori, DVM, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Ambassador Julie Dortch and Grandfather with Alzheimer's cyclist Why I Ride

Why I Ride: Ambassador Julie Dortch

Tapping into my “why” for riding bicycles actually begins with my background in running. For years, I ran recreationally and always called it ‘jogging’ instead of running. It wasn’t until my friend and her sisters convinced me to join on their long-run Saturdays that I realized moving my body at any pace was considered running for me, and after my first half-marathon in the heat of Tennessee in July, I was hooked. Throughout my miles pounding the pavement, I began to use the time as reflection on God’s blessings in my life. Many miles were spent praying for others and receiving promises on my own life.

Fast forward through a few running-related injuries and my gears shifted towards riding bicycles with my husband, Kyle. We met so many amazing people through years of riding and racing road bikes. Pedal for Alzheimer’s stood out along the way as an organization that we were introduced to by a mutual friend and knew we had to support. At the time, my grandfather, Kenneth Stafford, was only in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and still mostly the same, walking every morning and joining my parents for supper every night.

When I think about my journey with cycling, I’m reminded of the natural ebb and flow of life. Putting in hard work, grinding on days that seemed to be a chore, but enjoying the sense of accomplishment and the company of amazing people.

As the years progressed in my grandfather’s disease, I witnessed firsthand the work ethic of my mother in caring for him. I am quickly reminded the grit and determination that I love about cycling was more than likely ingrained in me from my grandfather’s hard work ethic. Observing my mother caring for her father was a true display of a long line of character traits that I still admire and aim to emulate.

Ambassador Julie Dortch and Grandfather with Alzheimer's Why I Ride

He worked a full time job as postmaster of my small hometown while running a local dry-cleaning business. He then stayed busy even in retirement with fishing, woodworking, and gardening. When I explain that I honor my grandfather’s memory by cycling, it is not because he loved to ride bikes. Actually, I’m not sure I ever saw him on a bicycle. But, his drive, hard work ethic, and love for family time are some of the same qualities that I connect with cycling, and I’m determined to continue those qualities in his honor.

Learn more about the Pedal for Alzheimer’s Ambassador program.

Make a donation in honor of Julie and in loving memory of Mr. Kenneth Stafford.

WRITTEN BY:

Julie Dortch

Julie and her husband, Kyle, reside in Springfield, Tennessee where she is an assistant principal for the local school district. They enjoy riding mountain bikes, camping in their van, and loving their 12-year-old furry family member, Gunner.

University of Tennessee's Dr. Robin Hardin now on the board of directors for Pedal for Alzheimer's

PEDAL FOR ALZHEIMER’S WELCOMES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE’S DR. ROBIN HARDIN

Sport Management Leader Joins Nonprofit’s Board to Advance Alzheimer’s Awareness and Research

Pedal for Alzheimer’s announces growth on the Board of Directors with the appointment of respected University of Tennessee advisor and professor, Dr. Robin Hardin. As a leader in the Sport Management program in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Hardin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization in the management and execution of events.

“I am appreciative of the opportunity to join such an outstanding and dynamic organization,” Dr. Hardin said. “Nearly everyone has felt the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia through their own experiences or those of family and friends. I am grateful for the opportunity to provide my event management expertise to the Board of Directors.”

As an accomplished scholar and active member of the local and national sports community, Dr. Hardin has been recognized for his extensive research on the governance of collegiate athletics, sport management education, and adaptive sport and recreation. With more than 100 scholarly publications and over 150 scholarly presentations to his name, Dr. Hardin has made a significant impact on the field.

The appointment of Dr. Hardin to Pedal For Alzheimer’s Board of Directors reflects the organization’s commitment to advancing Alzheimer’s research and supporting those affected by the disease. His extensive knowledge and experience in event management and athletics will be a valuable asset to the organization as it seeks to expand its reach and engage with new audiences.

“The board is very excited to have Dr. Hardin join as we continue to grow the organization,” Josh Crisp, Board President said. “It is very rewarding to see professionals from various backgrounds come together to further the mission of Pedal for Alzheimer’s. Dr. Hardin’s experience in sports and event management will add to the organization’s capacity to further the reach and impact of our mission.”

Pedal For Alzheimer’s is committed to funding Alzheimer’s research as well as providing education, support and care for those affected. The organization’s annual Pedal for Alzheimer’s event raises critical funds to support research and increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. With the addition of Dr. Hardin to its Board of Directors, Pedal For Alzheimer’s is well-positioned to continue its important work and make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

As a board member of Pedal for Alzheimer’s, Dr. Hardin will contribute his expertise to help further the organization’s mission of raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s disease research and support. The organization is thrilled to have Dr. Hardin on board and looks forward to working with him to advance its cause.

KNOXVILLE PROFESSIONAL CYCLIST JOINS PEDAL FOR ALZHIMER’S AS EVENT MANAGER

Professional Criterium and Road Cyclist Turns His Passion into a Non-Profit Career

Pedal for Alzheimer’s announces that professional criterium and road cyclist Brandon “Monk” Feehery has joined the organization full time as Event Manager. The Knoxville-based charitable organization is pleased to welcome its first employee to lead efforts in creating and managing a variety of road cycling, mountain bike, gravel, and cyclocross events to further the mission of spreading awareness and raising funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, support, and care.

“The bike has brought a lot of special memories to me,” Brandon ‘Monk’ Feehery said. “Being able to use my knowledge of cycling and my passion for Pedal for Alzheimer’s will allow us to create special moments for others as well. I am honored to lead this nonprofit as we have big goals to reach one million dollars in fundraising this year.”

Brandon Monk Feehery cyclist

Feehery is a professional crit and road race cyclist who has raced in the USA Professional Cycling Championship for the past ten years. He has won multiple stages, been on the overall podium eight times and won the overall two times in the ten-day crit-racing series, Intelligentsia Cup Chicago. He currently races for the Miami Blazers and uses his global reach to share the mission of Pedal for Alzheimer’s. Feehery won his first National Championship in the overall and crit at the Collegiate Road National Championships in Richmond, Va. He also placed third in the 2016 Tour of Fuzhou and fourth in the 2015 Delta Road Race. Over his professional cycling career, Feehery has over 50 professional wins.

“Since inception in 2018, the organization has been led by volunteers,” said Board President and Founder of Pedal for Alzheimer’s, Josh Crisp. “We are thrilled to have Monk in the organization in an official capacity to be able to take Alzheimer’s awareness to a bigger level by raising funds and attracting new team members, cyclists, and supporters.”

Brandon Monk Feehery cyclist

The organization has proudly been managed by the board of directors and volunteers who have generously supported and served in all areas. With the growth of the organization, Pedal for Alzheimer’s has outlined goals to achieve the mission by introducing new Ambassadors across the US, as well as expanding into new avenues of cycling.

“I love riding bikes. I love all the adventures a bike can take you on, whether it’s a 1,098-mile ride or a five-mile ride,” Feehery said. “Now I have the opportunity to honor my grandmother who faces Parkinson’s and dementia and provide support and encouragement for other families impacted by the disease.”

The organization has announced that the 12-day, 1,098-mile, 5-state charity cycling event, Pedal for Pat, is set for September 11-22, 2023. The event will benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Pat Summitt Clinic. A team of 12 Summitt Cyclists will pedal over five states touring some of the south’s finest universities, accompanied by a support team of volunteers. To learn how you can join the team to ride, support, or volunteer, visit PedalforPat.info.