Jerry Chapman joins Alzheimer’s Association as Director of Ride to End ALZ® South Carolina
February 9, 2022
After 11 Years as Healthcare Executive, Chapman Switches Gears to Lead Charity Cycling Event
On July 8-10, 2022, the Alzheimer’s Association® South Carolina Chapter will hold its annual cross-state cycling event with a new name and fresh staff leadership. Under the direction of Jerry Chapman, Ride to End ALZ South Carolina (formerly A Ride to Remember) will undertake a well-supported 252-mile journey from Simpsonville to Mt. Pleasant, with stops in Newberry and Orangeburg along the way. The local event, presented by RYOBI, is now one of five exclusive destinations of Ride to End ALZ, the nationwide signature cycling event of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Chapman joined the staff team of the Alzheimer’s Association South Carolina Chapter in December. After volunteering as the chair of the ride’s planning committee for the last seven years, Chapman will now lead the event the Director of Ride to End ALZ South Carolina.
“Not many people get the chance to switch gears like this and take on their passion project full time,” said Chapman, who was most recently CEO of The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health. “I am excited to continue to grow this exceptional event to its full potential in support of such a worthy cause.”
As a volunteer, Chapman helped steer the ride through a period of tremendous growth and new challenges. A Ride to Remember started in 2009 with just 20 riders raising $16,000. In 2021, despite the ongoing pandemic, the ride raised over $725,000 and attracted over 400 riders. Since its inception, the ride has raised over $4.2 million.
“For the last 13 years, A Ride to Remember has been advancing the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association— and we’re excited to share what’s next,” said Chapman. “By unifying our efforts under the nationwide banner of Ride to End ALZ, we will bring more awareness, resources and support to this event and to the fight to end Alzheimer’s.”
Funds raised by the event will continue to accelerate the Association’s research efforts to discover methods of treatment and prevention for Alzheimer’s and other dementias — while also maximizing care and support for all facing the disease.
Beyond the new name and website, participants will find that Ride to End ALZ South Carolina is the same well-loved cycling event with meals and luggage transportation provided, medical and mechanical support, and a discounted rate on lodging. While the group ride component of Ride to End ALZ South Carolina is limited to road cyclists, the event also offers a virtual challenge option that is open to casual bike riders, mountain bikers and spin enthusiasts.
To register, donate or volunteer, visit alz.org/ride. Discounted earlybird registration for the group ride ends March 1, 2022, and the deadline to register is July 1, 2022. Registration for the virtual challenge is free and will remain open through the end of July.
To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association or get support for facing any type of dementia, visit alz.org/sc or call the Association’s 24-Hour Helpline at 800.272.3900.
Additional Facts and Figures: (alz.org/facts)
- More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 95,000 South Carolina residents — a number estimated to grow to as many as 120,000 by year 2025.
- More than 11 million family and friends, including 199,000 South Carolinians, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in the United States.
- One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®.
About the Alzheimer’s Association South Carolina Chapter
The South Carolina Chapter provides patient and family services, information and referral, education, and advocacy throughout the state. Free services include a 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), caregiver support groups, educational programs, and early stage dementia social engagement. For more information or to get involved, visit alz.org/sc or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
