Across America for ALS Bikers Journey For the Cure

July 2, 2012 - PRLog -- ACROSS AMERICA FOR ALS BIKERS JOURNEY FOR THE CURE

Epic Bike Trek Across U.S. Benefits Project A.L.S. Research To End Deadly Brain Diseases


June 7, 2012—Longtime friends Daniel Rodriguez and Deric Mizokami embarked on Across America for ALS, a cross-country bicycle trip to raise funds and awareness for Project A.L.S. This New York based non-profit funds research to treat and cure Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS, also known as Lou Gherig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that currently has no effective treatments or cure. All proceeds from Daniel and Deric’s trip will go to the aggressive, groundbreaking research that Project A.L.S. funds.

Daniel and Deric, both 29-year old architects, were in the initial stages of planning their bike ride when Daniel met Project A.L.S. board member Martha McCully. She introduced him to the art of Richard Bunkall, whose career was tragically cut short by ALS. Daniel visited an exhibit of his work and then met his widow, Sally Bunkall, at a Project A.L.S. event and was struck by the passion and resilience of the Bunkall family and others affected by ALS—so he decided to help.

“Daniel casually mentioned that he would be riding his bike across the country. I later heard that he wanted to get into great shape because in the fall he would give one of his kidneys to his father. I wish all of us even a fraction of his courage,” said Martha.

The trip, which will last approximately two months and follow a combination of the Northern Tier, North Lakes, and North Erie Connector routes laid out by the Adventure Cycling Association, is far bigger than a bike ride and represents two young men’s empathy, advocacy and bravery.

Across America for ALS is sponsored by Big Agnes, the Backpacker’s Pantry, Columbia Sportswear, Endo Customs, GSI Outdoors, Ibex, Keen and Sambazon.

Support their fundraising efforts, get more information about the trip and view their photoblog at acrossamericaforals.com.

For more information about Across America for ALS, contact Erin Fleming: erin@projectals.org 212-420-7382

ABOUT ALS
Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease and motor neuron disease, ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects adults of all ages. It is closely related to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. ALS targets large brain cells residing in the brain and along the spinal cord called motor neurons. In ALS, as motor neurons get sick and die, a person progressively loses the ability to move: to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. ALS is usually fatal within 2-5 years of diagnosis.


ABOUT PROJECT A.L.S.

Project A.L.S.™ is a non-profit 501©3 devoted to understanding, treating, and ultimately curing ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Founded in 1998 by Jenifer Estess, her family and friends, Project A.L.S. has become the new paradigm for brain disease research. ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that, combined with the closely related Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, is a 21st century epidemic. In ten years 1 in 25 Americans will be affected with a neurodegenerative disease. www.projectals.org.