Lakewood Retirement employee cycling entire Blue Ridge Parkway to raise money for Alzheimer's Association
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Brad Muranko will cycle the length of the Blue Ridge Parkway – 469 miles in all – during a seven-day stretch beginning June 23. He's doing it to raise money for a cure for Alzheimer's disease, which affected his late grandmother, Colleta Bischof, and which affects some residents of the Lakewood Retirement Community in Henrico, where Muranko is the security manager.
Muranko's endeavor will be a team effort: a friend is cycling the parkway with him, and a friend of one of Muranko's coworkers is driving her RV to the parkway to provide the two with a safe place to sleep each night.
“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 effort is part of Lakewood's goal to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association Greater Richmond Chapter. The Lakewood team currently holds the top fundraising spot for the Walk to End Alzheimer's RVA fundraising efforts.
“It’s rewarding to know we make an impact in the quest to cure this horrible disease,” said Sally San Soucie, the community outreach liaison for Lakewood.
While Muranko and his friend are cycling the parkway, 80-year-old Lakewood resident Joe Kent will begin a 300-mile ride at the same time around the Lakewood Senior Living Community. He will ride 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.”
Kent is a member of the Richmond Area Bicycling Association, a group that organizes bike rides in a safe, and enjoyable atmosphere, while supporting local charities. Kent'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 15 years, since retirement,” he said. “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.”
The Lakewood team has raised more than $24,000 as part of its fundraising effort for the Alzheimer's Association so far this year and hopes to generate at least another $35,000 during the rides of Muranko, his friend and Kent.
