On the summer solstice, June 21, 2019, people across the world will join the Alzheimer’s Association to help end Alzheimer’s. Together we will raise funds and awareness for care and support while advancing research toward the first survivor of Alzheimer’s.
The fight against Alzheimer’s has personal significance to the owners of MOXIE Lifestyle Fitness Studio. Both Amanda Bussey and Stephanie Christie have parents diagnosed with the disease.
The struggle with ALZ hit home and hit hard for us. Watching my beautiful, independent, and oh-so “healthy” mother in law slowly, day by day lose a piece of herself was beyond difficult and still is a personal struggle with daily impact on our family.
Carolyn was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s almost 10 years ago when we believed she was at her prime in life. Her extremely healthy body and her sharp and organized mind were opposing forces and have been at war ever since. Now, she is over 2 years in hospice care, unable to walk, speak or generally do anything on her own; a far cry from the once vibrant lady we all remember. Almost 10 years into the disease with no cure, we are passionate about fighting back, to help raise awareness and funds to help the ALZ Association.
– Amanda Bussey, MOXIE co-founder and owner
Alzheimer’s is not just a disease affecting people older than 60. Many people living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s are in their 40s or 50s. In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 200,000 people under the age of 65 are living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
Everything changed when my Dad was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease last year at age 65. My Dad had been suffering short term memory loss. My mom, sister and I found ourselves desperately seeking answers. We sought treatment for what we thought was memory loss related to Hashimoto’s Thyroditis at UAB, but when my Dad’s condition did not improve, we traveled to The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota where our questions were answered and our lives changed.
“Where there should be areas of color indicating brain activity, there is darkness. You should notice distinct differences in your father with each year as the disease progresses,” said Dr. Britton. My parents embraced one another after the news from Dr. Britton. Over a year later, I weep remembering how my parents clung to one another after hearing the devastating news.
As Dad’s Alzheimer’s progresses, it slowly takes away the determined, forthright person I knew and admired. He is now easily agitated, has difficulty participating in conversations and navigating social situations. Alzheimer’s is a very cruel and dehumanizing disease, but with research and advancements in treatment, we know that a cure will be found. Please join us in advocating for a cure on June 21st.
– Stephanie Christie, MOXIE co-founder and owner
Individuals living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s face unique challenges when it comes to family, work and finances. They may be parenting young children at home, or still be working as the primary income provider for their family. And due to their age, they may have more trouble receiving an accurate diagnosis.
Join MOXIE and the fight against Alzheimer’s on June 21st, the summer solstice, to make a difference in the fight against this terrible disease. Join us in standing up to the darkness of Alzheimer’s on the day with the most light.
Teams of 3 will ride for three hours on Friday, June 21st from 8:30 to 11:30. Each team will donate $75 to reserve your bike. All proceeds donated to Alzheimer’s Association.
Refreshments + Giveaways during and after the ride for participants. Sign your team up on Mind Body. $75 donation required at time of registration.
MOXIE is currently seeking benefit corporate sponsors and donations, please email contact@moxie-lifestyle.com. Make an online donation by following this link to the MOXIE online store.
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