We began the morning by visiting representatives of our respected areas, encouraging them to support a House Bill that will make it easier for the millions of caretakers around the nation to support their families and friends suffering from this terminal disease. The rally included speeches from First Lady of Kentucky Jane Beshear, Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo, and ESPN writer Pat Forde. We were recognized at the rally and Tyler Jury had the opportunity to speak about the ride and his grandfather’s struggle with Alzheimer’s. To see people of such stature and influence speak about their own experiences with this disease connected the entire room with a special bond.

It is easy to get lost in every-day life, become consumed with our selves, and forget the pain that millions of people go through each day. Even after the months of difficult obstacles we faced this past summer in the name of Alzheimer’s, it is still easy to get lost in our own lives. This was a bittersweet reminder of the suffering that is all around us, and the bond that connects everyone that has dealt with this disease. There are still years of research ahead, millions of dollars needed, and endless support required. Even so, advocacy for Alzheimer’s presses on.

Brother Calvin Coolidge once said: “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan press on has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”

Jordan Minton

Perge!

Six Fijis Named Kentucky Colonels

Mitch White, Chaz Vittitow, Jordan Minton, Justin Cave, Tyler Jury and Wade Haga were recently named Kentucky Colonels. Kentucky Colonels are appointed by the sitting Governor and a Secretary of State. While every Colonel is appointed with this distinct honor for different reasons, the organization recognizes strength of character, leadership and dedication to the welfare of others.  Fiji’s Across America has raised over $40,000 for Alzheimer’s research and biked over 3,200 miles across the county to bring awareness to the nation.

The Fijis Across America reach Yorktown, VA on the Atlantic Ocean coast.

They made it! Friday, the Fijis Across America reached Yorktown, Va on schedule. The journey started on May 25 and 3,200 miles and 55 days later, the men arrived in Yorktown with their front wheels in the Atlantic Ocean!

More importantly, they raised over $40,000 for Alzheimer’s research thus far. Their mission is not over though. If you have not contributed to fundraiser for Alzheimer’s research, you still can at www.fijisacrossamerica.com.

Congratulations to Tyler Jury, Chaz Vittitow, Mitch White, Wade Haga, Justin Cave and Jordan Minton. We are mighty proud of you all!

Fijis Across America Route

Congratulation guys!

Fijis Accross America on wku.edu

Fijis Across America was featured on Western Kentucky University’s homepage today along with a press release issued by WKU’s Media Relations office.  Learn more about Fijis Accross America at www.fijisacrossamerica.com.

We are a team of dedicated students trying to make an impact on the world. Together we will be biking the Western Express bike route to Pueblo, Colorado, and then taking the TransAmerican bike route (~3,700 miles total) across the rest United States in order to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s research. In early to mid June, the Summer of 2010, we start from the West Coast and will reach the East Coast in late July or early August.

Each team member has different reasons for participating in this endeavor. Some want the challenge of biking across the United States, while others are doing it in memory of someone they love. However, all of the members feel a sense of responsibility to helping those around them.