Cycling for a Cause: Mayo Clinic Staff to Embark on 243 Mile Bike Ride to Support AFTD

On Friday, September 18, two Mayo Clinic ADRC staff members will volunteer their time, strap on their bike helmets, and pump up their tires to embark on a 243-mile bike ride to raise awareness for frontotemporal dementia. ALLFTD Study Coordinator Kevin Nelson and Program Coordinator Nick Rethemeier are riding in support of the Association for Frontotemporal Dementia’s inaugural Walk for FTD: A New Path Forward event.

Their ride, spread over two days, will start at the Mayo Clinic Rochester campus and head south through the fields and forests southeast Minnesota into north central Iowa before finishing at Terra Park, just outside of Des Moines. Once there they will join the rest of the participants walking for Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) awareness.

Both Kevin and Nick are avid cyclists and wanted to use their passion for cycling to support those affected by an FTD diagnosis.  “Working with families that have experienced an FTD diagnosis, I have seen both the challenges the diagnosis provides and the resilience families demonstrate in navigating them,” said Kevin. “I am riding for all those affected by the disease, and to give back to those who have supported FTD research so that one day there might be treatments for the disease.”

“FTD serves as a reminder that dementia is not just something that affects older adults; it can impact people at any age,” said Nick. “I am amazed by families that find hope amidst a life-changing diagnosis, and I ride so we can better support families living with FTD.”

The Association for Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD) is a national organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by FTD through research, awareness, support, education, and advocacy. They have resources geared towards families, individuals who receive a diagnosis, and health professionals to be more knowledgeable about FTD.

You can follow Nick and Kevin's progress on Instagram at @NickandKevinsGreatAdventure.