Written with notes from The Ontarion

Two U of G biological sciences students are set to start a two-wheeled cross-Canada mission to raise funds for and awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. Ian Whatley and Benjamin Love, who will start their fourth-year of studies in September, will depart from Vancouver in late June. They plan to ride an average of 120 kilometres per day.
Two of Whatley’s grandparents have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. They’re the reason he wanted to do this.

“It’s been difficult to watch this disease take over their lives,” says Whatley. “It’s hard to watch someone cope with it when they used to be so coherent and loving. You can tell that, on some level, they know what is happening to them, and see their frustration.”
Whatley and Love hope to raise a minimum of $25,000. Supporters can make online pledges at acrossthenation.ca.  The website contains a secure link to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada where individuals can make donations. “We can’t wait to get started,” said Love, adding that he and Whatley also plan to post pictures and personal accounts from their travels on the site. “We’re really looking forward to sharing our experiences with everyone.”