Joseph Merritt

My name is Joe Merritt and I’m from Nashville, Tennessee. I’m a sophomore at Western Kentucky University studying Mechanical Engineering.

I first heard about Bike4Alz in my first semester of college from friends who were interested in making the ride across the country in the future. What I had heard about Bike4Alz was that it was a group of men who biked across the country every year to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. I’ve had three members of my family pass away as a result of Alzheimer’s or diseases with similar symptoms, so I was immediately interested in contributing to this cause and completing the journey across the country in their honor. When applications to become a member of the 10th team opened this year, I jumped at the opportunity to contribute to this cause and participate in this unique experience.

I ride this summer to make my contribution in the fight against this terrible disease and to honor the members of my family who lived with it. I learned recently that Alzheimer’s is the 6th most common cause of death and is the most expensive disease in the United States. I have also seen firsthand how frightening and disorienting it is for those who have it and how painful it is for their loved ones. Knowing these things, it’s clear that the need to put an end to this disease is urgent. That’s why I ride to #EndAlz.