July 11, 2025

WKU Students Complete Cross-Country Bike Journey for Alzheimer’s

News Summary

A group of 12 students and graduates from Western Kentucky University has successfully completed a 50-day bike journey from San Francisco to Bowling Green, raising over $60,000 for Alzheimer’s research and awareness. As part of the Bike4Alz team, they’ve embarked on a 70-day adventure covering 3,700 miles, aiming to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s impacts while engaging the community through fundraising events. Their compelling journey highlights personal stories and the emotional toll of the disease, inspiring discussions around the challenges faced by affected families.

Bowling Green, KY – A group of 12 students and graduates from Western Kentucky University (WKU), known as the Bike4Alz team, has successfully completed a 50-day bike journey from San Francisco to Bowling Green, raising over $60,000 for Alzheimer’s research and awareness. Their mission has been to bring attention to the impacts of Alzheimer’s disease as they pedal on a cross-country adventure aimed at raising funds and the overall awareness of this pressing health issue.

The team, members of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, is nearing the end of their extensive 70-day ride, which spans approximately 3,700 miles from San Francisco to Virginia Beach. They still have around 20 days left in their journey, projecting to complete their trek by July 27. During their travels, the group has made stops at churches, campgrounds, and the residences of family and friends to rest for the night.

Team member John King expressed excitement about returning to Kentucky, highlighting emotional connections with loved ones after traversing through various states including Utah, Nevada, and California. King views his involvement in the journey as both a personal growth opportunity and a means to contribute positively to the global fight against Alzheimer’s.

Another team member, Mason Strunk, discussed the challenges faced during their ride, particularly in mountainous regions, which tested their resilience. Strunk has personal ties to Alzheimer’s disease, with several family members, including his grandmother, affected by the illness. The emotional toll of the disease on families has fueled Strunk’s motivation to participate in this cause.

In support of their fundraising campaign, the Bike4Alz team has organized a community event at White Squirrel Brewery, aimed at further engaging local residents and increasing their fundraising total to $100,000. The event is scheduled for Tuesday evening and is set to feature food trucks and merchandise sales, with all proceeds directed to their ongoing efforts for Alzheimer’s research and awareness.

This initiative comes at a time when Alzheimer’s disease has become a growing concern for many families across the country. The Bike4Alz team’s journey not only serves as a fundraising effort but also as a platform to promote understanding of the challenges faced by those affected by Alzheimer’s.

Throughout their journey, the riders have shared their stories and raised awareness about the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s on individuals and families. The team intends for their ride to inspire community involvement and encourage discussions about the disease and its impact.

As the Bike4Alz team continues toward their final destination, their commitment to raising funds and spreading awareness remains steadfast. Their dedication serves as a reminder of the collective efforts needed to tackle Alzheimer’s disease, as they strive to make a significant contribution to research and support services for those impacted by it.

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Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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