Each year, residents and team members at the Lakewood Retirement Community in Henrico, Virginia rally to support a variety of causes, including working at a local food bank, knitting newborn hats for local hospitals, donating medical supplies, and raising funds for worthy causes.
This year, like many others, the Lakewood team is hard at work holding several fundraising events in support of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond. Yet, there is something magical, unique and inspiring about the fundraising efforts this year.
Brad Muranko, security manager for Lakewood, is doing something extraordinary to raise money and awareness to support a cure for Alzheimer’s. Brad, an avid cyclist, will be cycling the entire Blue Ridge Parkway, a total of 469 miles, in an effort to bring awareness about the unforgiving illness and raise funds to help find a cure.
For many years, Brad has dreamed about cycling the entire Blue Ridge Parkway, but this year, he feels the timing is right. On Sunday, June 23, Brad will embark on a seven-day cycling journey in honor of his grandmother, Colleta Bischof. Brad’s grandmother passed away after struggling with Alzheimer’s when he was just a freshman in college.
“I have so many memories with my grandma to hold in my heart,” said Muranko. “My most vivid memories are boating with her in Tennessee when we visited every summer. My grandma was fun-loving and caring. She was a never-ending source of love and laughter. Her enthusiasm, adventurous spirit and kindness helped shape the person I am today. Watching her struggle with Alzheimer’s was very difficult and painful.”
The ride is a lot of miles, but the most difficult part will be the altitude gain at 48,000 feet. “Thankfully, my good friend Justin is going to do the ride with me,” said Muranko. “It’s a lot for someone to tackle solo and having him there will be amazing. We will really be supporting each other.”
Lakewood Team Leading the Way on Alzheimer’s Fundraising
Currently, the Lakewood team holds the top fundraising spot for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s RVA fundraising efforts. “I am so proud that Team Lakewood is the top fundraising team in Walk to End Alzheimer’s RVA,” said Sally San Soucie, community outreach liaison for Lakewood. “It’s rewarding to know we make an impact in the quest to cure this horrible disease.”
Paige Cranor, a friend of Sally’s who has joined the Lakewood Team, is driving her motorhome to the destination point each day so the team will have a safe and comfortable place to rest each night. “I am blessed to have the time and ability to assist this team in successfully achieving their goal in support of such a worthy cause,” said Cranor. “Having lost a family member to Alzheimer’s, this cause is near and dear to my heart as well. I am excited to share in this adventure and see how much money is raised when the mission is completed.”
In addition to Brad’s ride, Joe Kent, who is eighty, will begin his ride at the same time and match the mileage distance in kilometers. His ride will consist of a total of 300 miles around the Lakewood Senior Living Community in the same time frame. Joe is riding in memory of his stepfather who passed away from the disease.
“Lakewood has a nice memory care neighborhood and supports the needs of its residents so well,” said Kent. “We feel supported, so we want to support Lakewood and all they do as well.”
Joe is a member of RABA, Richmond Area Bicycling Association, a group that organizes bike rides in a safe, positive and enjoyable atmosphere, while supporting local charities. Joe’s involvement with RABA includes organizing local rides, fundraising for the capital trail project and assembling bicycles for children and families in need during the year-end holidays.
“I’ve been cycling for the past fifteen years, since retirement,” said Kent. “On average, I ride 5,000 miles a year and have completed 59,000 miles since I retired. Once the Alzheimer’s ride starts in June, I’ll be well over 60,000 miles in the saddle. I’m hoping to have a few people join me while I ride around Lakewood. It would be fun and help me stay on pace.”
So far, the Lakewood team has raised almost $18,000, with a goal to raise $35,000 between the three riders. In all, Lakewood hopes to raise $60,000 this year.
To donate to this worthy cause, you can visit act.alz.org.
You can follow the adventures of Brad, Justin, and Joe on Lakewood’s Facebook page at Lakewood Retirement Community.
