NORTH — For the fifth consecutive year, the town of North served as a rest stop Saturday morning for the cyclists participating in the annual S.C. Alzheimer’s Association “Ride to Remember.”
The cyclists each year travel from Greenville to Mt. Pleasant, covering a total of 252 miles across the Palmetto State to raise funds for the organization as well as awareness about the disease.
“I remember the first year the S.C. Alzheimer’s Association Ride to Remember bikers stopped in North,” Mayor Earl Jeffcoat said. “It was five years ago, and I just happened to stop by town hall, and here were these people resting and picnicking on our porch.”
Jeffcoat said he struck up a conversation with members of the group and learned about their important cause.
“Since then, we have served as a lunch stopping point, offering them the use of Council Chambers as a rest stop and lunch area,” the mayor said. “I am pleased that the town of North can contribute to this worthy cause in this manner, and I look forward to participating in this manner for many years to come.”
Cindy Alewine, CEO of the S.C. Alzheimer’s Association, said, “We certainly appreciate the town of North. North is a beautiful town and a pleasant place to stop for a brief rest and lunch.”
This year, Ride to Remember doubled its participants and donations, she said.
“We have 105 riders and have raised over $110,000 for Alzheimer’s patients, their families, and continued research,” Alewine said. “Our mission is actually twofold. We strive to help families and Alzheimer’s victims through services and support — offering respite, support groups, care consultations, planning counseling and safety services such as Wanderer’s IDs. We also are devoted to educational awareness and continued research.”
The earlier patients are diagnosed, the earlier treatment can began, and that translates into better symptom management, she said.
“There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but new tests are being developed for early diagnosis. Currently, the disease is diagnosed by ruling out other symptoms. Soon, we hope to be able to diagnose by biological markers such as fluids and scans. This could give us a 10- to 20-year head start on the disease,” Alewine said.
“Also, we have learned that activities that are good for your general health such as aerobics and cardio exercises help delay Alzheimer’s symptoms. You should participate in brain exercises like Sudoku or crossword puzzles, too. The more active your body and mind are, the better off you will be.”
The S.C. Alzheimer’s Association Ride to Remember is an annual event sponsored through donations. Riders select their own teams and secure donations for their ride. Although the riders pay for their own hotel accommodations, meals are generally donated to them by sponsoring groups.
Anyone wishing to participate in the 2014 Ride to Remember or wishing to donate, sponsor or receive additional information may contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900 or visit the website at www.alz.org/sc.
Contact the writer: boykinbaby@surrealestate.com.
0 comments:
Post a Comment