Riding, remembering and celebrating love
Donna Fowler loved riding with her husband Mike on their Harley. Each August, they would lead off the annual “Remember When” Ride in Bloomington, Illinois together.
This year, Mike will be riding alone.
The 7th annual “Remember When” Ride, becomes the Donna J. Fowler Memorial Motorcycle Ride this year in her honor. Donna passed away in January leaving Mike to organize the event with his wife in mind.
Join us for the 7th annual “Remember When” Ride
When: Saturday, August 16
Time:
Sign Up: 9:00 am
Ride Starts:10:00 am
Location:
Start: Chuck’s Harley-Davidson in Bloomington, Illinois
End: VFW Bloomington, Illinois
Live Auction Fundraiser:
VFW Bloomington, Illinois
More information: 309.662.8392
Donna Fowler loved riding with her husband Mike on their Harley. Each August, they would lead off the annual “Remember When” Ride in Bloomington, Illinois together.
This year, Mike will be riding alone.
The 7th annual “Remember When” Ride, becomes the Donna J. Fowler Memorial Motorcycle Ride this year in her honor. Donna passed away in January leaving Mike to organize the event with his wife in mind.
I miss the hell out of her,” says an emotional Mike, as he remembers his bride of 38 years. “It’s going to be harder because I don’t have Donna.”
He started this ride back in 2006 with a friend, the same year Donna was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and took over the ride himself the following year. He says the purpose of the event is to raise awareness about Alzheimer ’s disease.
My wife ended up with Alzheimer’s and there wasn’t enough research money to take care of this. I don’t think anybody realized anything about Alzheimer’s,” says Mike. “Alzheimer’s is such a terrible disease, I can’t believe how bad it is, and what it does to those left behind.”
Hundreds of people will participate in the annual “Remember When” Ride. Last year alone the group raised more than $22,000.
It doesn’t matter what you ride,” says Mike. “It can be a car, it doesn’t have to be a Harley. All bikes and cars are welcome.”
Registration for the event kicks off at 9:00am, with the Ride starting at 10:00am. Following the ride there will be a live auction at the VFW, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Illinois Chapter.
I wanted to raise money and leave it in McLean County so it can help and educate people to make it easier on them,” Mike explained.
My mom really watched over Donna,” said Mike. His mother, Patricia Fowler, actually shared a room with Donna at the LeRoy Manor, even though she herself was not diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Pat passed away in May of this year, just a few months after Donna.
I think that losing Donna then losing my mother … has made my life a little bit more challenging.”
A challenge that Mike is accepting.
He is going forward with his plans for the Remember When Ride, hoping to have more people than ever come out to support his family and all those affected by this disease.
Most people aren’t prepared- and I was not…I know how hard it was on me.” He watched as the disease slowly took everything from the women he loved for more than 44 years. “My wife was beautiful and I took care of her like she wasn’t sick.”
Mike took care of Donna for as long as he could at home before she went to LeRoy Manor. He spent years brushing her teeth, feeding her and cleaning up after her. “It’s truly sad for anybody you love, it’s sad for anybody who gets the disease.” He hoped this ride will help educate the community on this deadly disease, and continue to support those suffering.
Mike wants this ride to be something the community can look forward to and celebrate. “That’s what this really is, a celebration of Donna’s life.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php