Northern Health senior technician David Abud embarked on a 300-kilometre bike ride in April to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease.
The cause hits close to home for David after his father was diagnosed with the illness a few years ago.
His father, Rodney Abud, was the president of the Wimmera Base Hospital in Horsham for 30 years, before continuing his work as a physician in Melbourne treating dementia and Alzheimer’s patients in aged care.
The extensive bike ride went across three days, where David was joined by fellow Northern Health colleagues and his father-in-law. They rode from Ballarat to Ararat, then to Horsham, driving to Kaniva and then riding back to Horsham.
This was the second year David had completed this ride for Alzheimer’s awareness.
“I think everyone gets touched by dementia and Alzheimer’s in some ways. They say two out of four grandparents would have some sort of dementia or Alzheimer’s in their lifetime. So I think it sort of affects everybody,” David said.
“It’s affected me directly and it is hereditary so I hope dementia and Alzheimer’s has some sort of cure or at least a slowing agent in the near future.”
David has managed to raise over $35,000 for the cause and plans on continuing with the tradition next year.
“It was a real success. Dad would be very proud, especially when he knew other colleagues were getting involved. He would be tickled.”
To donate visit: www.gofundme.com/f/alzheimers-bike-ride-for-dr-rodney-e-abud.
Helena Abdou
